Chapter 13 – Aster
ASTER
“You ever gonna take that off?” Diego asks, reaching toward the large bandage covering my neck.
I knew people would have questions and figured a barber gouging me doing a straight-razor shave would be easier to explain than the letters carved into my skin.
It’s been three weeks since Lily marked me, and it’s finally almost healed.
Once it’s just a scar, I can say it’s a white ink tattoo.
After the little “fight” we had, I’ve been giving her space, and I may or may not have distracted myself by ridding Cleosville of an entire meth operation. Killed the three bosses and scared the workers enough that one of them pissed himself and swore to leave town.
Due to that, the crime section was also keeping me busy, so the distraction worked beautifully.
Dark liquid fills my favorite mug at the office as I ignore his question. “Don’t you have more important investigative work to do?”
“Tomorrow’s article’s already on Sabrina’s desk.”
“Then go talk to Meagan or Eric and leave me be.”
“They’re on assignment.” He mock pouts, leaning against the counter. “Trust me, you’re my last resort.”
“Wow, now I’m really honored.”
“Diego,” Sabrina, Head Editor of Solarium News, says, coming our way. “I’m putting you on the art gala at the Westerford mansion tonight.”
“I thought Laura was handling it,” he says. “She all but wrestled me for the piece.”
“Well, she’s sick now, so it’s all yours,” Sabrina replies.
“Anything for me?” I ask, and her brown eyes meet mine.
“Have there been any murders I’m not yet aware of?”
“No.” None that I’d like you to be, at least.
“Then enjoy your rare night off, Mr. Blake.”
She exits the break room, and Diego returns his attention to me. “Wanna join? It’s invite only, but I’m sure I can get a plus one. The sculptor who’s featured is world-renowned. Their pieces are worth millions.”
I weigh the options in my head. Listening to old records from the comfort of my own home while I finish painting the gnomes I’ve been working on, or go peruse a stuffy art exhibit. “I’m good.”
“It’s at the Westerford mansion out in Blackridge Forest,” he reminds me as if that should sweeten the deal.
My brows draw together. “So what you’re telling me is we have to drive half an hour outside of the city to attend a stuffy event full of rich, snobby assholes, all outbidding each other for some hunk of glass?”
“She actually makes art out of taxidermy animals, but basically, yeah.”
My eyes fly to his. “What?”
He laughs. “That was my reaction too.”
“Think I’ll pass,” I reply, heading to our desks, hiding the grimace from the other gift Lily left on my thigh. That, too, is mostly healed, but it still gives me a little sting every now and again if I move the wrong way.
“I’ll take you to Dahlia’s after.”
“Or, I can go to the diner without you, still get my milkshake, and skip the small talk altogether.”
“Dude, you need to get out,” he implores. “When’s the last time you got laid?”
I grab a pen, chucking it at him, and he dodges. “Probably more recently than you.”
That’s a lie. It’s been so damn long I almost came in my pants listening to Lily masturbate a few weeks ago. Great. Now I’m hard.
“You and I both know that’s not true.” He grabs a sticky note, draws a doodle, then slaps it on my monitor. Two smiling stick figures standing side by side taunt me.
“What the hell is that supposed to be?”
“Us at the gala. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
And a distraction, which apparently, I desperately need. Because if I don’t go tonight, the way my mind is wandering, I’ll end up at Lily’s house instead.
Would I hide in her closet again?
Throw rocks at her bedroom window like one of those old rom-coms?
Maybe I should sneak in wearing my Grim mask and wake her while she’s sleeping. See if she’s terrified or turned on… or both.
“What are you thinking about?” Diego asks, brow quirked.
My eyes meet his. “I’ll be there.”
My phone buzzes on my desk as he heads to his. I glance at the notification, chest constricting.
Dad
Call me.
We haven’t spoken in nearly two years, and that’s the message he sends?
I’d rather drink battery acid and shit it out than have a single conversation with my father.
He’s selfish, controlling, manipulative, and doesn’t care about anyone but himself.
Fumbling around on the keypad, I change the contact name, then return to the text thread.
Gregory
Call me.
Me
We’re sorry. This number has been disconnected.
Gregory
Nice try. I know you talked to Belle last week.
Rage flows through me as I pull up her contact and press call. She answers immediately.
“Belle, what the fuck?” I say.
“Well, hello to you too, Ass,” she replies. “Really earning that nickname today.”
“You gave Dad my new number?”
A sigh comes through the line. “Just talk to him.”
“Why?” I ask, exasperated, leaning my elbow on the desk to rest my face in my hand.
“He misses you,” she says, and frustration boils. I’ve tried so hard to keep her out of this. Held so many secrets. Maybe I should just tell her the truth so he can’t still have his claws in her. The only thing that gives me relief is knowing she’s on the west coast far away from all his bullshit.
“I told you I want nothing to do with him. Can’t you respect that?”
“Just think about it, please. Hear him out. For me?”
I grit my jaw. “No.”
Tossing the phone on the desk with a clank, I lean back in my chair, sighing in frustration.
“Daddy issues?” Diego asks.
“Like you wouldn’t believe.”