Page 62 of Always Love You More

“I’m all set.”

“I’ve gotta talk to him about something, anyway.”

Jameson turns. “Later,” he says, the word leaving no room for argument.

The minute he disappears into the hallway, Luke shifts to me and Johnny. “What was that about? What happened?”

“We were at the fight,” Johnny answers. “We took him home.”

“Why?”

“Levi …” Johnny starts. “He needed some time to cool down.”

“From what?”

Johnny rubs at the back of his neck. “You know I can’t—”

Luke pushes away from the front desk. “For fuck’s sake,” he snaps, storming out into the garage.

“I’ve gotta …” Johnny points toward the back room. “You good?”

“Yeah, fine,” I tell him, trying to hide the lie. Really, I’m just overwhelmed. Nervous about what’s coming. About all the different personalities. Who’s upset with who. Who has power over who. The things I can’t say. And the things I wish I could.

I round the desk and take my place behind it.

Billy lowers his elbows on the edge of it, his voice quiet. “Tell me what happened.”

I shake my head.

“Come on; it’s me,” he presses.

“Ask Jameson.”

He sighs. “You know how he is.” He drums his hands nervously. “Just tell me he’s okay.”

I open my mouth, willing the words to come out, but when I look up at Billy, at the fear in his eyes, all I give him is silence.

Because as much as I want to, I can’t make myself lie to him.

Chapter 17

Jameson

Thedoortomyfather’s office is half open, but I still knock.

“Come in,” he grunts from behind his desk.

I brace myself for his reaction, not sure what I’ll get.

He shuffles some papers in front of him, not bothering to look up at me. “I need you to go make a pickup.” His voice is calm, giving nothing away. He finally glances up at me, his expression neutral, as if I don’t look like I just got the shit kicked out of me.

“Sure,” I tell him, noticing the bruise that’s coloring his jaw from where I hit him. “Sid?”

He nods then goes back to the papers on his desk.

I stand in place, waiting to be dismissed.Is he fucking with me? Putting me at ease before he snaps?

I don’t let my guard down. Then again, I never do.