25. Olivia #3
I quickly grab my coffee mug and start the Keurig Simon purchased for our dorm room a week ago. The sweet smell of southern pecan fills the room, and my shoulders relax at the familiarity.
Nothing happened. Nothing at all. I got home on my own.
I probably climbed through the window, came up to my dorm room, and passed out.
Yeah, that’s it. At least that’s what I tell myself over and over again, despite the constant churning in my stomach.
Besides, we had fun. At least I think we did.
So what if I talked to Malic about…God knows what.
He probably doesn’t even remember me having a conversation with him.
Yeah, I’m fine. Drink your coffee, get better, and then go into investigation mode.
Yup. Yup! That’s what I need to do.
Okay, I got this.
“Blood drive day!” Wade grins, adjusting his tight red T-shirt that proudly displays—Greenwood Blood Drive, over his pink collared shirt.
He walks into our shared space with a bottle of water and plops down next to Simon while checking his phone intently.
After a few seconds, he scans our faces. “You guys are coming, right?”
I feel his narrowed stare as I watch my coffee finish pouring into my mug, and I take it from beneath the Keurig.
“Unless you want me on the floor showing no signs of life,” Simon scoffs. “Me and needles do not mesh well together. I’ll scream, pass out, and probably puke everywhere.” He gives Wade a pointed look. “We go over this every year,” he huffs, shaking his head.
Wade blinks a few times and pulls a face. “Right. Well, it was worth a try, dude. You’re good. We’re trying to get everyone to participate this time. Mom says that if we do win this competition, she’s going to offer some more big prizes.”
“Big prizes?” I ask, sipping my too-hot coffee and taking a seat across from them.
“She’s in talks with West Records.” He pauses for dramatic effect, not getting the excited reaction he’s hoping for.
I am familiar with the West sons—two boys I was undercover with a few years ago—Seger and Zeppelin West. In fact, I’m almost positive Zepp is running West Records now while he’s in college. Hmmm. Maybe I should warn him off.
Wade looks between the two of us and says, “You know! The biggest music producers in California?” He deflates when I nod once. “Well, she’s got a big band on the hook to come play for us before winter break. It’ll be huge for us and fun as hell.”
“Sounds cool, Man. But you aren’t dragging me to donate blood, even if there’s a cool-ass band on the line,” Simon says, turning a slight pale color and wrinkling his nose. “Oh, God. I can’t even think about it. It’s turning my stomach.”
“I’ll come,” I say, taking another drink before I can say sike; I don’t really want to be anywhere near the blood drive or leave my bedroom for the day.
But hey, an A is an A, and I’ll take whatever I can get to shove it in JJ’s stupid blackmailing face.
“Good!” Wade says, perking up instantly.
“Starts at noon and goes until about six. I have to head down there now to help set up.” He grins, getting to his feet, and pulls out his phone.
As he takes a few steps, he taps at his screen a few times, and a grin spreads across his face.
“Well, I’ll see you later, Oli. Simon, wish you’d reconsider.
” He clicks a few more times on his phone and stops abruptly, furrowing his brows.
“You guys see there was a big explosion by the docks last night?”
“An explosion? What kind of an explosion?”
Great. Add that to my list of bullshit to investigate. I wonder if JJ knows anything and will tell me. Or if I can contact Carter, who always seems to be bored, and have him find me some information.
Wade clicks something again and shrugs. “Looks like they lost a storage facility. One of those buildings down there that takes in shipping imports and shit.” He whistles to himself.
“Damn. They lost everything. It’s all over the SlamApp, too.
” He shrugs and tucks his phone into his pocket.
“Whatever. See you guys later.” He waves and leaves as quickly as he can, booking it out of the room and slamming the door behind him.
I slip my phone from my pocket, groggily unlock the screen, and sign into SlamApp. Sure enough, pictures of the fireball that lit up the sky early that evening fill the screen, the ocean as its backdrop. My breath shudders at the sight of the buildings and the massive docks resting in the water.
I remember that place.
I went there with Hux, JJ, and Mack. We played on the docks, laughing like kids do.
Mack even fell into the gentle waves of the seawater.
He got so much shit from Franco for daring to get wet when he had to get back into his car.
So we walked with Mack all the way back to the mansion.
It only took an hour or so, but it was the most fun I had had since moving to Greenwood.
Even with Mack sending me dirty looks and griping about being wet.
Now, what I can only assume is that one of Franco’s buildings is destroyed beyond recognition. Pieces of metal siding, concrete, steel, and other building materials lie on the ground. Broken glass is scattered nearby.
It’s ruined, and I can only assume this is the start of something dangerous against Franco.
“You’re nuts,” Simon grumbles, drawing me out of my head. I peer up at him from my phone screen, almost confused by his words. “How can you let them stick a…a…” He covers his mouth with his fingers, shaking his head. “Needle,” he hisses before slumping back into the couch.
Right. The blood drive. Poor Simon and his fear of needles.
“Don’t think about it,” I encourage him, finishing off my coffee, feeling ten times better already.
Maybe this is what I needed. Caffeine. Company.
Not thinking about my doom. I wave a hand, trying to reassure him.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve done it before.” His face turns even paler, drowning out any color he has on his face and neck.
“Besides, you can hide in our dorm.” I shrug, getting up from my seat and beelining it to the Keurig.
More coffee is a must. Especially if I’m going to come face-to-face with needles and blood draws.