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Focusing on my coffee, I don’t have any words. At least not any I can say aloud. All sorts of thoughts are running through my mind, but Drew’s voice brings me back to reality.
“Look, I know you can’t stand to be in the same room as him, and you’ll probably poison him by the weekend, but he really needs you, and you’re a little genius, so you don’t need to study as much as you do.”
My heart feels like it may beat out of my chest. My palms are sweaty, and Drew is enjoying putting me on the spot a little too much.
“Please, Vi. I’ll even have Starbucks waiting for you after class.”
Fighting a smile, I say, “Wow, you really are desperate.” I almost feel bad for playing him like this.
“I’d do anything for Travis,” he states so genuinely. “But I can’t be late to work even if I begged. The chief will have my head, and my partner won’t take my shit.”
I let out a deep breath,actingdefeated. “All right, fine. But you owe mehuge. Any favor that I can use at any time I want.”
Drew holds out his hand, and we shake on it. “Deal. I’ll allow you to cash in on onereasonablefavor. I’m a cop, not a millionaire.”
I smile. “Venti white mocha.”
“What the hell does that mean?” He looks utterly confused, and I chuckle at his expense.
“My Starbucks order. I want a venti white mocha with an extra shot and a blueberry muffin.”
“Wait, I didn’t agree on the muffin—”
I shoot him a look, challenging him to fall back on our deal.
“Fine,” he states between gritted teeth. “You play to bust balls.”
“It’s one of my best qualities,” I say with a cheesy grin.
“You have to actually be helpful, though, Vi. He’s going to be sore and on pain meds. Just make him some lunch and make sure he stays hydrated.”
“So, play Betty Crocker and greet his one-night stands at the door?” The words leave my mouth before I can stop myself.
He shakes his head at me with a knowing grin. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two were secretly in love with each other.”
I nearly choke on my saliva.
“Relax, I was just kidding.” He pats me on the back. “Anyway, I gotta head out. The chief about had an aneurysm when I asked for a half day.”
He walks over and wraps his big arms around me, squeezing me so tight it hurts. I squeal and try to wiggle out of his tight grip. He’s always been so much bigger than me, and he knows how much I hate it when he hugs me like that because it’s painful. “Drew, stop!”
“You’re the best little sister ever.” He releases me, and before he walks out of the kitchen, he turns and smiles. “Thanks again. It means a lot to me, and I know it’ll mean a lot to him. He’ll appreciate the help, even if he doesn’t say it.”
When I hear the door click shut, I let out a deep sigh. As much as I should be keeping my distance while Travis is in this condition, I can't fathom the thought of him being alone all week while he's recovering.
I reach for my phone and text Courtney, letting her know the new plan. I’ll invite her over and allow her to drool over Drew one night this week.
Viola
Drew gave me his stupid begging eyes and bribed me with Starbucks. I’ve been voluntold to take care of Travis all week, but I’m not complaining.
Courtney
I could stare into Drew’s gorgeous eyes for hours. I can’t wait to come over and “visit.” It’s almost as if Drew is setting you up for “success” ... if you know what I mean.
Viola
Focus, Court. And gross. I’ll text you once he’s home.
