Loose Ends - Book One

Levi ~ So, You Like Cars?

"Let me get this straight—" Vicky folds her hands together. "Just last night you refused to see a movie, and now you feel the need to help some girl you don't even know?"

Yeah, I saw this coming.

"What're you, besties now?" She continues, her tone clearly laced with hurt.

"Don't be like that," I begin. "I've learned some things about her—"

"Oh my—" She stands up from the kitchen table, abruptly, shaking her head. "You really are besties, aren't you?"

"It's just a stupid headlight, Vic, what's the problem?"

"The problem is I've been trying to break you out of your cold, hard, way-too-serious shell for the past three months." She marches out of the kitchen and into the living room, continuing her rant. "But I've been letting you talk me out of it because I want to protect you just as much. Why does this girl, who doesn't even know you, have that power?"

If this woman wasn't gay, I'd be suspicious. "She has no power!" I yell back from the kitchen, a little too defensively.

"And not to mention," Vicky ignores me, getting louder. "She hit you with her car and then didn't take you to the hospital!"

"That's not fair!" I stand up and track her down into the living room. "You know I didn't let her do that, and you know why."

"I just don't get why you're doing so much for a stranger. A reckless driver, no less."

"Vicky, look at me." I throw my hands up. "I'm fine. She didn't mean to hit me. What is your deal with her?"

Vicky's been digging in her purse furiously during the last three minutes of the argument. She rips out some bills and throws them in my direction, and they fly aimlessly in the air until they touch the carpet. "I'm working a double. Since you know what you're doing, take care of yourself, tonight." She grabs her purse and heads for the front door.

"You didn't answer my question," I cross my arms.

"Screw you!" She calls out, right before the door slams.

I stare at it for a good minute. I know Vicky can't be jealous – at least, not in the way that would make me side-eye her sexuality. Seriously, she's as gay as they come.

No, if she were jealous, it's because she think she's being replaced. Like I mentioned, Vicky and I were childhood best friends and outcasts. Not to mention, I ran to her the second I returned to Kingston. We protect and annoy each other like siblings. She couldn't be protecting me from Anabel, though – she's not a threat. I haven't known her a full day, yet, but I was right about Ana the moment I saw her. She's carrying something heavy, and I have a feeling it started at home, like me. I may be no more than a distraction, but I can see she has no ill intentions. I can't explain it, but there's a sense of familiarity whenever we're together.

And Vicky is not completely wrong. I can admit to myself that I am being a bit bolder than usual. This would also be the first time I met someone that wasn't trying to buy off or fuck me. Pros.

I stare at the bills sprawled across the ground, then pick them up and put them on the kitchen table. I can't have any more distractions - I have plans. I'm still very much going back to the garden to dig up those walkie-talkies. Even if I found just one, hopefully that would mean my mother has the other one. Then, I'm going to get Anabel a new headlight and everyone can calm the hell down.