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Pullingthe covers up to my chin, my eyelids droop closed.Withmy next breath,Icough at the sudden stench.
Sulfur.
IfIkeep my eyes closed tight, maybe the devil won’t exist.
Chapter27
“Dopamine”
–American Dream Machine ft. Loveless
BeforeZakstepsoutside the backdoor,Iwarn him sternly, “Ifyou don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything, at all.Letme have some fun, okay?”
Zak’sanger fights on his face, swinging between not taking that for an answer and wanting to let me have this because it’s important to me.Finally, he sighs and leans down to kiss me. “Whatevermakes you happy, babe.”
Afire roars in the pit in the backyard at home, reflecting orange and red flames in the rippling pool water.Mom,Dad,Brandy, andDavesit at the table on the porch, talking with adult beverages in hand.
“Hey!”Daveapproaches, greeting us with open arms.Atrail of smoke follows between his fingers where a cigarette burns.Hegives me a big hug. “Hellof a show,Steph.”
Tyappears around the corner of the house withRobbiefollowing.Hisdull eyes light up when they meet mine.
Tytrips over himself as he rushes toward me.Hescoops me up, wrapping his arms around me tightly.
Isqueeze him back. “Missedme?”
“Always.”
“Longtime, no see,”Zaksays with aggravation right behind me.
Slowly,Typarts from me.Hisarms linger untilIstep back and make them fall.Irritationflares in his eyes asIfall into place besideZak. “Yeah.Probablyfor good reason.”
“Probably.”
“Tsk, would you two quit?”Ichide. “Haven’teven been here for a minute and y’all’s claws are already out.Calmyour asses down and eat something.”
Theycontinue glowering at one another asIdragZakto the pit.
“Sit,”Icommand, pointing at a free chair.
Hisbrow quirks. “I’mnot a fuckin’ dog.”
Iroll my eyes. “Fine, go hang out at home if that’ll put you in a better mood.I’mgonna get some drinks.”
Hisgrumbling is clear asIhead into the house.
Thecold air is a welcome reprieve from the heat and tension.Ipause at the fridge, hand gripping the handle asIclose my eyes and take a deep breath.Thesilence blares so loudly in here.
Thedoor opens behind me.Conversationand laughter enter with someone, cutting off with the closing of the door.
Iglance over my shoulder to findAdrian. “Hey, want something to drink?”Iask asIopen the fridge.
Hecomes to my side, leaning a hip against the counter closest to the fridge with crossed arms. “You’replaying with fire.”
Beersin hand,Istraighten up. “Whatmakes you say that?”
“Youtryna makeZakbe friends withTy,” he says as he plucks a beer from my arms.
Imake a face. “Isit so wrong of me to want my boyfriend to get along with my longest-standing friend?”
