Page 28 of Eighteen (18)

I reach down between my legs and play with myself, gathering the wetness on the tips of my fingers. I hold them up and they glisten in the light filtering through from the freeway.

He steps forward again, closing the distance between us, takes my fingers in his hand and places them in his mouth.

I have to close my eyes. My knees get a little weak and I’m eternally grateful that this stucco wall is holding me up.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Shannon.”

“What?” I gasp.

But he’s already turned away. “Mateo,” I whisper-yell. “Mateo.”

“Stay away from Danny Alexander, Shannon. He’s bad news.”

And then Mateo pushes the gate open and walks through.

“Who the fuck is Danny Alexander?” I ask myself.

Chapter Twelve

I figure it out, of course. Sunday is Danny Alexander. I just didn’t know his last name.

A second later I get a text.

Unknown Number: I mean it. Stay away from him. Walk to school tomorrow.

Shannon: Who is this?

Unknown Number: Funny girl. I’ll make you pay for that tomorrow in class.

Shannon: I think I owe you one, actually. So I’ll take that ride and let him know I don’t need any more on the way. I’m not going to drop a friend for a guy like you.

Unknown Number: What kind of guy am I?

Shannon: The kind who gets me wet and leaves me hanging.

My phone rings and I almost drop it. “Hello?”

“Rub one out while I’m on the phone then.”

“What?”

“Shannon, I’m serious about saying things twice. I hate it. Don’t ask me for clarification when you heard me perfectly well.”

“I’m not—”

“You are. Now go into your bedroom, lie down on your futon, and play with yourself until you come.”

I just stand there.

“Let me know when you’re in bed.”

I let out a frustrated exhale, but I walk to my room, slip inside, and lie down.

“Turn on the light.”

“Why?”

“So I can watch.”