Page 90 of Something True


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"What?"

"You heard me. That kind of shit? It's not for you. And I'm not dragging you into it."

"Alright, fine," I said. "Even if you didn't want me involved, you still could've called."

"And say what?" he said. "Shit, I didn't even want you to know."

"So you weren't gonna tell me?"

"Not if I could help it."

Thatwasn'twhat I wanted to hear. "Why not?"

"Aside from it's fucking embarrassing?"

"Yes." I straightened. "Aside from that."

"Alright. How about this? I'm not getting you involved, because I'm done with that."

"Youcan'tbe done," I said, "not if you're still fighting."

"I'mnotstill fighting," he said. "It was a favor for Cal. A one-time deal."

A loud, honking sound made me jump practically out of my skin. I looked across the street and saw Jake, eyeing us with obvious impatience. As for Bishop, he was still leaning against the passenger's side door of Joel's car.

Annoyed with both of them, I hollered out, "He'll be there in a minute. Jeez!"

When I looked back to Joel, he was almost smiling. He said, "You forgot to call him an asshole."

"Oh, please. I would never say that."

At least not out loud.

Joel gave me a look filled with regret. "The truth is, he's not completely wrong. Thereissomeplace we've got to be."

"Where?"

"The airport."

"Why? Where are you going?"

Joel smiled. "If you wanna know, you'll have to see me again."

My gaze narrowed. "Are you bribing me?"

"You know it." With a low curse, he added, "And sorry, but I've really gotta go."

"Wait," I said. "I have a question."

"What?"

"Will you call me before then?"

Joel shook his head. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"No phone."