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With a dramatic sigh, she drops her shoulders and howls at the ceiling, “Why is it so hard to find a good man?” Her voice is way too loud.
A woman across the restaurant laughs and says, “Amen to that!”
I shove the rest of an eggroll in my mouth. “Beth, I’d love to get into this, but I need to get back to school and see if I can find a drape or something.”
“Oh, that’s right.” She waggles her eyebrows at me before smoothing her white, eyelet shirt. “It’s nude model night. My little Kerry is growing up so fast!” She gushes and fake cries, before laughing.
“Shut up,” I kick her under the table and stab another wonton.
“You don’t have to do it, you know.” Beth uses chopsticks like a ninja. I’ve resorted to stabbing my food with one stick since Beth said we didn’t need silverware. I’m a chopstick failure.
She doesn’t get it. Being the youngest adds a lot of hurdles, but I’m not letting them get in my way. I’ll go the extra mile and endure what I have to do to earn the respect I deserve. “Yes I do. I made a big deal out of how I could do whatever he could dish out because I’m a serious artist. Being unable to handle nudity is a sign of immaturity in the art world.” I grab my purse and put some cash on the table for my part of the meal.
Beth cocks her head to the side and gives me a look. “No one in their right mind would hold you to that agreement. And it doesn’t mean you’re not a good artist if you don’t want the world to see your goodies. That’s bullshit.”
“Yeah, well, it’s my bullshit and I stepped in it. I can’t back out without looking like an amateur, so I’m going to make a Grecian robe out of toilet paper or something so I’m only sorta naked.”
“So you are trying to get out of it?” She points a chopstick at me.
“No, wearing a drape only covers the fig leaf spot. And if I can’t find a drape, I’m laying on my stomach. I’m not showing off my goods in full, so don’t worry.”
“Oh, I don’t worry about you at all. I’ve seen proof of how you handle yourself out there. The bus is your dream car, and this is your dream job.” She tips her head to the side like I’m being stupid.
“Beth, just trust me on this one.”
“A girl got gang raped the other night at the party you went to. They drugged her drink and passed her around.” My jaw drops. That could have been Emily. After they didn’t get her, they did it to someone else. Beth scoots out of the booth to stand in front of me. “I just want you to be safe. I’ve got your back, whatever you choose. If this is on the up and up in the art department, I’m with you. Give me a second to finish and I’ll go over. I can be your chaperone!”
Smiling, I lean in and hug her. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. I’ve got too much stuff going on right now.”
“The mother, the ex, the nude model, and more is my guess.” Beth tips her head to the side. “You’re made of strong stuff. I’m here for you, so is the J posse—also known as my jackass brothers. In case you hadn’t noticed, Jace is on the other side of that divided wall behind the plant. They’re always around, always watching.” She makes an exasperated face.
“They care about you. Listen, I’ve got to go. It’s getting late. If I’m not there early, I won’t have time to talk Jax into the drape.”
“You’re insane.” She slips back into her booth.
“That’s why you love me.” I smile at her, turn on my heel, and smack into Josh.
Taking me by the shoulders, he steadies me. “Well, hello to you, too, Other Little Sis! I hear you have naked plans for this evening.”
“Semi-naked,” I correct him. “Teachers like Jax should come with a warning label. I’ll see you later.” I’ve been avoiding Josh since Carter told me what happened between them, and it’s becoming obvious. Beth hasn’t pressed me about it, but Josh doesn’t seem to like that I keep rushing by him.
“I’m headed back.” He takes a sip of Beth’s soda, and fishes his keys out of his pocket. “I’ll take you.”
I back away smiling. “No, it’s okay. I’d rather walk.”
“Don’t be silly.” He’s grinning at me and oozing with magical charm that makes it so damn hard to tell him no. “Come on.” He doesn’t let me speak. Instead, he takes my wrist and tugs. I fall into step with him and give up.
Beth calls out, “I want to know what happens. Come by later.”
She waves me off and suddenly I’m out the door, alone with Josh.
Chapter 6
I slide onto the supple leather seat as he closes my door for me and walks around to his own door.
After the car purrs to life, he says, “I know why you don’t like me, and I can’t blame you, but you have to realize that was two years ago.”
I’m trying to keep all my body parts on my side of the car, but it’s so small. His arm brushes against mine when he shifts gears and floors it. He’s mad.
