She’s working alongside some guy with a shaved head who has ogled her ass one too many times while she’s bent over to grab the rental shoes.
She can look after herself, but I can’t help but want to poke out his eyes, as well as the eyes of any other guy who looks at her.
In the beginning, I often wondered if perhaps I was gay because I am attracted to Jupiter.But I stopped trying to put a label on things and just accepted my feelings.It was easier than trying to fight something that seems to be as natural as the breath I take into my lungs.
I would say our love isn’t hurting anyone, but that’s not entirely true.
“Hey, girl.”Jupiter slides into the booth and places a soft kiss on my lips.
It’s not unusual for her to greet me this way.
But after today, my needy body craves more.
“I’ve only got a couple of minutes.We’re slammed tonight.What’s up?”
I skim my fingers around the lip of the glass nervously.“I’ve been thinking…”
Jupiter waits for me to continue.
“Maybe.Do you think… I mean?—”
“Spit it out, Hallie.”
I gather my nerves and say in a rushed breath, “I think we need to stop because I’m scared we’re going to get caught.”
Jupiter looks at me closely, sensing something else.“What aren’t you telling me?”
Guilt overcomes me, and I avert my eyes, giving myself away.
“This has got to do with Smokes, doesn’t it?Just because you’ve slayed your demons doesn’t mean mine have gone away.”
Nothing slips past her.
“I know that, and I understand it’s selfish of me to?—”
“It’s very fucking selfish,” she interrupts, standing abruptly.
Words evade me because she’s never spoken to me this way before.
“Jupiter—”
“No.”She shakes her head firmly.“I found Smokes for you.And this is the thanks I get?What happened to being my ride or die because I sure as shit am to you?Handing Smokes over to you on a silver platter is proof of that.”
She’s angry.
And she has every right to be.
My mouth feels dry, and my heart begins to pound madly.“Please don’t be mad at me.That’s the last thing I wanted to do.You’re my best friend, my soulmate.You’re the only person who’s been there for me.The only family I have.It kills me inside knowing I’ve hurt you.”
I beseech her to forgive me.
I implore her not to leave me, just like everyone else.
But Jupiter sees this as a betrayal.
“Feeling guilty doesn’t give you the right to decide what I should or shouldn’t do.”
I stand too because this has escalated quickly.“I’m not.All I’m saying”—I lower my voice and examine our surroundings to ensure no one is listening—“is that there are police everywhere.We will inevitably get caught sooner or later.”
