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“Point taken. Being under a microscope when you’re vulnerable isn’t fun. But I need you to be square with us about this woman.”
After a silent minute or two, I realize I can’t hide in my head.
“I want to keep her. Irina says she wants the same thing. But she’s stuck at that place because she can’t leave Fiona. I want to believe she’s telling the truth.”
Once the words start, I can’t shut them off, “We’re going on a real date in a few days. I’ll know more then, but I can’t have you or Ruin riding my ass on this shit. Irina is special, and I won’t forgive anyone who fucks things up between her and me.”
“Fair enough,” Armor says and rubs the back of his neck.
Like his sister, Armor has dark red hair. I remember how kids at school would razz them for being gingers. That shit stopped once Armor started throwing punches. The siblings had it tough with poor-as-fuck parents and a violent father.
Armor and I are probably too much alike. Maybe that’s why he and I don’t really click right. Neither one of us wants to be the leader or share our feelings.
Except we’ve been friends since we were dumb kids. He’s never done me wrong. I like to think I’ve always had his back. Don’t know why we can’t be more friendly.
Forcing myself to speak up, I say, “Goose was complaining about everyone pairing up, but I’m glad you worked things out with Yazmin.”
Armor frowns at me like I’m fucking with him. Once he gets how I’m being square, he rewards me with a little grin.
“I never wanted to be in a relationship. Now I’m sure I’d fall apart without her. Isn’t it weird how that works?”
Nodding, I’m relieved I wasn’t the first one in the club to fall hard for a chick. Watching the others go through their relationship dances made me more open to my own.
IRINA
On the brink of mybig day, I wake up gripped in cold dread. Staring at the ceiling, I feel like my life is spinning out of control.
All because I get to enjoy a real date with Eagle and sleep over like a normal couple.
That happy opportunity has twisted me into a raw nerve. I’m afraid to get out of bed. I feel like I can hear Owen calling for me. Tears bite my eyes as I stare hard at the ceiling, afraid I’ll see his little face if I dare look anywhere else.
“It’s just hormones,” I whisper to myself. “You’re emotional because your body is off kilter. Just breathe.”
I force myself to do the breathing techniques Fiona uses when she’s suffering an agoraphobic panic attack. In my head, I go over what I know is waiting for me today.
The new backup caretaker started yesterday. Olive is a middle-aged nurse whose bad knees ended her career at the hospital. She’s been working as a school nurse. Apparently, her husband ran off with their savings and a “whore from the bowling alley.”
