Page 4 of Always Love You More
“Now, you—”
A loud pounding interrupts him, and if I could, I’d flinch.
He drags his eyes from me to the door and tips his head in its direction. I follow his silent command and go to answer it.
I keep myself hidden and slide back the small curtain that covers the top of the door just enough to see who’s there.
Marcus.
Pulling it open, I squint from the morning sun. Raising a hand to block out the brightness, I find him staring at me with that unhinged smile he always has, making the scar that runs from his eye to the bottom of his lip crinkle.
He pushes past me, always in a rush, and I follow behind him, sliding back into my seat.
He stops in front of the table and gets right to the point, not even bothering with a hello. “Got a new kid I want you to meet.”
Marcus is always trying to do anything he can to impress my father. He’s been around since before I can remember, climbing his way up to be my father’s second years ago.
“We don’t need any more strays,” my father answers.
Marcus shifts with excited energy. “Just wait till you see what this kid can do, though.”
“Who’s his old man?”
“Some deadbeat drunk. He wants to make some quick cash. Seems real motivated.”
My father sets down his coffee cup. “All right, fine. When do you have him coming in?”
“This afternoon,” he answers.
A horn sounds from outside, and I look at the clock.
Right on time.
“I’ve gotta get to school,” I say, waiting to be excused.
My father waves a hand. “Go.”
I stand, starting for the door, when he calls my name and I turn back to look at him.
“Come to the garage right after school. You’ve got errands today.”
Fuck.
“Yes, sir,” I answer.
Chapter 2
Jameson
Islamthecardoor shut after getting in, and Billy snaps his head in my direction. “You good?”
I nod, sinking back into my seat.
Luke catches my eyes in the rearview mirror, and I blink them closed, reminding myself that he isn’t my old man.
They look just like each other.
“You sure?” Billy asks again.
