Page 30 of Detour

I point to the logo on my shirt.

Laughing, he says, “I never even noticed. Do you like it there?”

I shrug. “I like the tips. Lots of drama lately though.”

After regaling me with some work stories of his own, my cell rings with another UNKNOWN caller and I ignore it just like the others, wishing they’d take the hint already.

“Lover boy?”

“Nope.” I shake my head, twisting my hair into a ballerina bun then adjust my visor over my eyes. With the temperature spiking again today, I’ll need my long hair off my body.

“What’s going on with Coty?”

“You tell me, he’s your boy.”

Beckett studies me for a minute, his crystal-clear blue eyes looking for something. Something I’m sure he won’t find.

“You need to be careful with him.”

I scoff. What the hell does that mean? “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m trying to keep as much distance as this six-foot hallway will allow. I live next door, that doesn’t mean I’m up for grabs. You guys need to be careful, how about that? Just because a woman is within reach doesn’t mean you have a right to touch.” I stand, descending the stairs in a huff.

“Angela.”

I stop, surprised he’s using my actual name and not his usual nickname for me.

“I mean it. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s all over the place ever since you showed up. If you are serious about that fucking nerd-twat, then you need to make that clear to Coty.”

Sarcasm laces my every syllable. “I’ll get right on that.”

Choosing between my stepbrother and a guy I barely know. Yeah, right.

“Are you two serious?”

I shake my head at his question, at this conversation, at the entire situation.

“I gotta go.”

“Just give him a chance then.”

“Bye, Beckett.”

CHAPTER 14

Angela

A nother crappy Sunday. Third one in a row to be exact. An hour into my shift I was told to go home —by Joe. He’s back from vacation along with the unease his presence brings. It was busy but he still sent me away, making me question what I did to earn his sudden spite. The uncertainty turns to irritation and I drive away fuming.

Halfway home, my phone rings but this time I answer it without even checking the screen.

“Where have you been?” My mom’s screech fills me with immediate regret. Why did I choose today of all days to pick up?

“What are you talking about?”

“You think because you move out you don’t have any responsibilities here anymore?”

Yes. “And what responsibilities are those?”

“Rent!”