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Davey towers over me in our foyer with a look of fury on his face. His hair is a greasy mess, and he reeks of alcohol. He’s not shaven in days. His red, puffy eyes are glossed over and full of hatred.
“Fuck,” he says as he holds the wall for support. “I didn’t mean for you to fall.”
Opening the door might have been a huge mistake. He’s clearly angry, and it’s even clearer that he’s angry with me.
“You’re drunk!” I don’t know why I bother accusing him when it’s so blatantly obvious.
“It’s the only way I know to numb this shit.” He taps his chest melodramatically. “I need to talk to you.”
“I think you need to sleep it off first,” I suggest, hoping he’s sober enough to understand reason. “Call Brady tomorrow.”
/> “I’m not actually here for Brady.” He turns and closes the front door as I inch closer to the hall leading to the kitchen in case I need the phone. I stare at him with wide eyes. “Did you think our conversation was over just because Brady came to your rescue?”
His question has all my nerve endings exploding. What does he want with me? “There’s nothing for us to talk about Davey.” I stand tall, feigning confidence. “Whatever you’re upset about, you need to discuss it with Brady.”
“Oh, no, sweetheart. It seems Brady can’t take a piss without asking you for permission, so we definitely have a lot to talk about. It’s time you knew a little about me.”
“What do you want?” I stick with putting up a tough front. On the inside, I’m scared to death.
“I want my friend back.” He sounds desperate. “Tell Brady to let me back in the band.”
“I can’t do that.” Or, more to the point, I won’t do that. Davey is unstable. Brady doesn’t need that in his life.
“It wasn’t a question. You’re the reason I’m out, and you will tell him to let me back in.” It’s an order.
I huff at his request. “No, Davey. You are the reason you’re out. You flaked on practices and you missed opening night. They had to replace you.”
His lips curl into a sinister grin. He comes closer to me, his smell pungent and repulsive. “Do you think he loves you?”
I fight the urge to run, knowing he’ll catch me. “My relationship with Brady is none of your business.”
He laughs. “You didn’t answer.”
“I don’t have to!” I shout, not about to give him the satisfaction.
“You’re not good for him. You bring him down. All women bring their men down.” His smile disappears as his hands find his hair. “He used to be fun. We used to party with different girls every night.” His hands leave his hair as a satisfied grin returns to his face. I already know about Brady’s past, but Davey must not know that. “Do you know that about him? I think he misses it.”
He’s trying too hard and obviously doesn’t know Brady like I do. Brady doesn’t miss it. He regrets it. “He grew up.” I smile now. “Maybe you should try it.”
“If he’s so grown up, then why is he lying to you?”
He’s trying to goad me. As much as I want to play along to find out what he’s talking about, I won’t give in to him. “You’re pathetic.”
He laughs hard, his hand reaching out to touch my hair. I slap it away. “Did he tell you that I was in prison?”
I can’t hide my shock.
He laughs nervously. “For manslaughter.”
My mouth falls open as I take a step back.
“Ha! No, I didn’t think so.” He takes a step closer to me. “Why do you think he would hide that from you?”
As angry as I am with Brady right now, I won’t engage Davey. He’s close to snapping. “I don’t care.”
I look up, expecting to see anger, but instead Davey looks like he’s in pain. “Fuck! I didn’t come here to fight with you. I came here to explain. You need to know. I want you to understand.”
Now I’m just pissed. He’s playing games. “I understand. You are an irresponsible, reckless, and spoiled child who refuses to grow up, and you’re angry that your faithful playmate has moved past that.”
