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“I didn’t play that tape, Ellen.”
“I believe you, and so does Remi, it seems. So what’s the issue?”
“I need to make it up to her. I ruined her eighteenth birthday. She deserves better than that.” I let out a deep sigh. “I’m pretty sure I’ve lost my job.” If nothing else, my little rendezvous with Bruce was warning enough, even if I am yet to hear it from the horse's mouth. But I keep putting off that little visit. I’m amazed he’s not forced the issue and had one of
his goons drag me in, if I’m honest. Something is going on there, and it sure doesn't help me sleep at night. “I’ve got no money to do anything and ugh… I don’t know. Sorry, this isn’t your issue.”
“No, but I may have a solution.”
“Oh?” I sit forward, intrigued as to what she’s got to say.
“My brother owns an auto shop on the outskirts of town. He’s looking for some help. Just labor here and there. It’s hard, dirty work. But it’s work, and he pays well. Do you want his number?”
“How about the address? I’ll go there now,” I say, pushing from the chair. There’s no time like the present to try to get my life in order and prove to both Remi and Sarah that I’m serious.
“Sure.” Ellen shuffles off and grabs a piece of paper before scribbling the address down. “And about your other issue with regards to her birthday. I’ve got an idea. Leave it with me though.” She winks and heads back toward the pantry.
“T-Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Ace. Everyone needs a little help now and then.”
After a quick stop in the pool house to change, I jump back on my bike and head in the direction of the garage in the hope of a fresh start with a job that’s less likely to end with me in prison. Or dead.
Chapter Eleven
Remi
“Crap,” I mumble as Conner pulls up alongside my house.
“Problem?” he asks.
“Yeah, my dad is here.” I’ve managed to mostly avoid him up until now, but I know he’s still out for Ace’s blood after what happened.
“You need me to come run interference with them?”
“No,” I sigh. “I need to handle this on my own.” I go to climb out, but Conner’s voice gives me pause.
“Listen, what I said before, about you and my brother... I was wrong.” Shame washes over him. “I guess part of me was jealous.”
“Jealous?” My brows knit.
“Yeah. It’s Ace. He’s the worst of us... shit, I don’t mean it like that. I just mean... there was a girl, back in the Heights. A girl I…” He trails off. “It’s a long story, but I guess I didn’t expect to move here and watch my brother fall in love.”
“Ace doesn’t love me.” The words are out before I can stop them.
Conner smirks. “If that’s what you think, then you’re dumber than I thought. I know my brother, and I’ve never seen him the way he is with you, ever. You’re changing him, Remi.”
“I...”
“Cat got your tongue?” He chuckles.
“I should go.”
“But me and you, we’re good, right?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Shouldering the door, I climb out and traipse toward the house. Being ambushed by my mom is bad enough, but my dad? That’s a whole other headache I don’t want to deal with.
“Remi, is that you?” she calls the second I step inside. “We’re in the living room.”
