Never Going Back/NOT EDITED

Chapter 18

     It had been a week since I called Hailey from the cafe. That meant today was the start of my new life. Things between Nathan and I have been so good recently. This whole week off I spent getting to know him even more, and it made me the happiest I had been in awhile. 

     I had woken up earlier than usual. I threw on my nicest pair of jeans, a sweater vest I thrifted, and my sneakers I also thrifted. We had a deal later today, so I had to make this visit quick.

     Once I got to the cafe I saw Jay's truck. It was the same truck that followed me when Intelligence first snatched me up. 

     "Hey", I said as I walked up.

     "Hey", Hailey gave me a hug which made me feel kinda awkward. "Let's go inside, it's freezing out here."

    We walked into a semi-busy cafe. There were more customers than Lila would have, but for Chicago it was still pretty dead. We made our way to a table away from the window.

     "You hungry", Jay said as we sat down.

     "I'm okay", I picked at the rip in my jeans.

     "Cleo, you don't have to be so nervous.", Hailey smiled sympathetically at me. 

     "Food here probably sucks anyways", I said as Jay and Hailey laughed. "No I'm serious. Lila never made good food and if it runs in the family I doubt her sister can either."

     "How you holding up?", I guess Hailey could see my smile disappear when I mentioned Lila.

     "Okay, I guess.", there was an awkward silence. "You know what I think I'll have an iced macchiato."

     "It's winter in Chicago and you want an iced coffee", Jay smiled as she shook his head.

     "For the record they are actually really good", I jokingly slapped him with the menu on the arm.

     Jay ordered all of our drinks and it didn't take long until we got them. Hailey got a chai latte while Jay just ordered black coffee. Hailey and I definitely made fun of him for it.

     "Okay, so we pretty much already talked about everything at the hospital", Jay gulped. The last time we talked about this I screamed in their faces. "When do you think you'll be able to introduce me as a buyer?"

     "Probably today. We have um...", I stopped. Was I supposed to tell them about the deal?

     "Cleo, you can tell us. You're not gonna get in trouble", Hailey reassured me.

     "We have a deal later today and usually the boss doesn't like us going out before. He'll definitely ask me where I was this morning. I planned on telling him I was meeting with an interested buyer that was friends with Camilla. Sometimes I'd hook her up, so the boss won't be suspicious about how I know Jay", Hailey and Jay stared at me with blank faces. Did I do something wrong?

     "That's actually perfect, Cleo. Except, my undercover name is Ryan", Jay smiled as he took another sip of his coffee.

     "You know you'd make a great Detective", Hailey looked at me as I smiled in response.

     Jay gave me a burner phone with his undercover number on it. They didn't want to risk the boss bugging the burner he provides for everyone in the gang. After we finished our coffee. I headed back to the warehouse. The deal was in two hours and I needed to start getting things ready, but I also wanted to be gone long enough for the boss to notice.

    Once I returned, I went into my room and changed. As I was heading out to help load the SUV's I ran into Nathan.

    "Where the hell were you. The boss is pissed", he looked at me worried.

     "Don't worry about it. The boss will understand", I walked away before he could ask more questions. Things were going so great, and now I'm pushing him away again. What's wrong with me?

     I pushed the thoughts away and focused on the deal. I helped Nathan get his vest on because his arm was still a little stiff from getting his stitches out. He was silent the whole time, though.

     "Talk to me", I said as he turned around.

     "I feel like you're pushing me away and I don't know why. I get that you wanted to take things slow, but this past week has been really amazing, and now you're acting all weird again", Nathan rubbed his hands through his hair.

    "I'm sorry. The boss has really been on my case, so I met with a potential buyer. Maybe if I bring in profit he will fully trust me again. I didn't want to tell you because I was ashamed", I looked at the ground.

     "Hey", he lifted my chin so I would meet his gaze. "I know you're just trying to survive. Pleasing the boss is just how we do it. Just talk to me next time. I'm always gonna be here."

     "Of course", he pulled me into a hug. I felt awful. Lying to Nathan was hard especially when he was so understanding of my lie. 

     "Time to roll", Micheal knocked on the doorway, and we all headed out. 

     Usually we try to separate the couple's in the gang, but Nathan and I stayed in the car. I think we both are more shaken up from the shooting than we'd like to admit. Everything went smoothly, though.

     Nathan and I were supposed to make a run to the stash house when we returned, but the boss had different plans. He ordered Micheal to go with Nathan. He wanted me in his office, just like I had planned.

     "Would you like to explain to me why you were out before a deal?!", the boss raised his voice before I could even shut the door.

    "Look, the shooting cost you a good buyer. I have a friend, Ryan. I know you don't like change, but he's interested and has offered serious cash", I oddly felt calm.

    "How do you know Ryan?", he looked at me suspiciously.

     "Do you remember how I used to hook Camilla Vega up? Ryan's her ex-boyfriend. When Camilla left him, she may have spread some rumors. She ruined his reputation with one of his old suppliers, so he called me.", I leaned back in my chair, letting out a breath. The peace I had was still there, but barely.

     "Maybe there's a reason his reputation was ruined.", the boss raised his eyebrow at me. "I think it's a little interesting how he just now contacted you. Why wouldn't he have done it when Camilla and him first broke up?"

    "You know young love. He was heartbroken and just recently got back into business. I'm not gonna push you, but this a great opportunity. He's willing to meet whenever. Tell me a time and place. He'll be there", I knew the boss was too cocky to admit that he needed another buyer, but he wouldn't pass the opportunity up. 

     "Tomorrow. Midnight at the Silos's. I better not regret this", I walked out of his office knowing that he would indeed regret this.