Page 91 of Spring Break Fling

“No, that’s your blood,” he said, plopping down in the chair across from me. “Drink it anyway and then you’re going to eat some protein.”

“Fuck you. Most people would offer a cup of coffee,” I complained.

“I’m not your fucking waitress.”

“You wouldn’t get a tip if you were.”

“Now spill. What happened to your face? And the rest of you, for that matter. You’re going to be pissing blood by the looks of the bruises on your side.”

“I’m fine.”

“How do you know?” he asked.

“Because I’m not pissing blood. It wasn’t that hard of a kick. Or punch.”

“What happened? You’re not usually one to let someone get the best of you.”

I leaned back, the events of the night before replaying in my head like a badly edited movie. “Because it was more than one asshole.”

“What the fuck? Why didn’t you call me? I would have had your back.”

“I didn’t have time. It’s not like they called ahead and made an appointment.” I took another drink of the water. “Two dickheads caught me alone where I parked my car. Said my old man owed them money and tried to shake me down. Fucking Zip told them where to find me. I guess they were following me. I’m just glad they waited until I dropped off Hannah. I have no idea if they would have tried to fuck with her.”

“Because Zip owes them money?

“Yep.”

Diego’s brows shot up. “And you didn’t just pay them off?”

I knew why he was asking. That was usually what I did. But it had never been this much money before.

I shot him a look. “Hell no. I don’t have ten grand lying around.”

“Ten grand? Shit. What the hell did Zip get into now?”

“Fuck if I know,” I said. “Does it matter? He’s always dragging me into his drama. This time, he’s on his own. I don’t have the money. Even if I did, I wouldn’t give it to him.”

He sighed and shook his head. “So, you thought taking on a couple of guys was the best option?”

“I thought getting out of there alive was my best option, and the only way out was through them.” I gestured to my busted knuckles and swollen eye. “Technically, I won.”

“Barely,” Diego muttered, shaking his head. “And now?”

“And now, everything’s a mess. My old man has gangbangers coming after me. I just got fired. And…” I hesitated, the words sticking in my throat.

Diego cocked his head. “And?”

“And my girl is leaving.”

Diego blinked. “Your girl?”

I froze. I hadn’t meant to say that, but it felt right. Hannah was my girl. Or she had been.

“Shut up,” I said, scowling. “I’m not in the mood for your shit.”

Diego raised his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, man. I wasn’t going to tease you. I get it. Are these guys going to come back?”

I shrugged. “Probably.”