"So, you've met them?" Even though I was pretty sure that the brothers were outside, I lowered my voice, just in case. "Are they okay? Like, should I trust them?"
"With what?"
"I just mean, if I leave, are they gonna rob the place or anything?"
"No," he said, "but I'd keep an eye on your beer."
I hesitated. Was that a joke? I couldn’t be sure either way, especially because Joel definitely hadn't been smiling.
Already, this whole conversation was incredibly frustrating. I still didn't know why Joel had called. I wanted to ask, but with the way he was acting, I felt compelled to first explain how Luna had sent her brothers to help with my sewer situation.
When I finished, Joel said, "And how about Jake?"
"What about him?"
"Ishethere?"
"No."
"Good. Do me a favor, alright?"
"What?"
"If he stops by, don't let him in."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't trust him."
"So you trustLuna'sbrothers, but not your own?"
"Steve and Anthony? They're harmless. But Jake? Different story."
"Oh come on," I said. "I talked to Jake. He's notthatbad."
"I mean it. You steer clear of him." And then, in a quieter tone, he added, "Alright?"
"But I don't get it," I said. "What do you think he's gonna do?"
"I don't know. And I don't wanna find out."
"Joel, seriously. Youdorealize how paranoid that sounds?"
"Yeah? Well, lemme ask you something."
"What?"
"If he screwed his dad's girlfriend, what's to stop him from putting the moves onyou?" His voice hardened. "Especially with me out of town."
My breath caught.Out of town?Did that mean he was planning to come back?Damn it.There it was again, that annoying flicker of hope.
I was still trying to squash it down when Joel abruptly said, "Lemme talk to them."
Startled, I asked, "Who?"
"Steve and Anthony."
"Why?"
