“I’ll figure it out, okay?” His tone was scathing. “It’s not like you care, anyway. You left me alone to die and then drove off to be with a man who considered you his personal punching bag.”
Katie recoiled like he’d slapped her, but he didn’t care. Knowing she’d run back to Zander made the betrayal worse. She didn’t get to judge him. Not after all she’d done.
Tempers simmering, they each took a step away, knowing the other well enough to take a much-needed time out. The trees blew in the breeze, their leaves in full bloom as summer approached.
Arguing wasn’t a new pastime for Chad and Katie. As much as they cared for one another, they often bickered more than siblings. Laila had been the buffer. The calm that would always bring their anger to a slow burn.
Finally, Katie’s shoulders relaxed. “How much are you short?”
“Twenty-eight hundred dollars.”
“Good night, Chad! How much did you owe him?” He went to answer, but she put up her hands and shook her head. “Forget it. I don’t want to know. Just wait here.”
With a quick lunge, Katie sprinted up her front steps.
Irritation washed over him. “I told you, I don’t want to talk to your husband.”
“Will you simmer down? I’m not getting Asher.” She pulled on the door. “I’ll be just a second.”
It wasn’t just a second, and the longer he waited, the more uncomfortable he felt just standing there. His eyes once again examined his surroundings. Katie’s old Camry was parked under a tree, the shade protecting its faded paint. The familiarity calmed him. He knew that car. Knew the rip in the backseat that Laila had tried to fix twice, the carpet stain from him spilling Big Red, and the radio that only picked up five stations. He just didn’t know the girl who owned it anymore.
Katie emerged. “Sorry. I had trouble finding my checkbook.” She met him in the grass, her steps focused and determined. “Here.”
Chad stared at the folded piece of paper she offered him. Not just a piece of paper, but a new beginning. A fresh start.
“Take it.” She shook it at him again. “My parents gave me some money after their house sold. A thank-you, I guess, but I’ve never felt comfortable spending it. Not until now.”
His hand shook as he gripped the check, unfolding it to see $2,800 written in black ink. He lifted his head, watched her silver-blue eyes sparkle against the tears. “I can’t take your money.”
“Yes, you can.” She closed his hand until the check disappeared from sight. “When I came home a year ago, no one wanted to believe that I’d changed. Except Asher.” That same lovesick look returned to her face. “He gave me the second chance I desperately wanted. Let me give it to you.”
Chad felt every muscle in his body tighten. “I’m an addict, Katie. I could be lying to you. I could be dead broke and the minute I leave here, cash this check, and blow the entire thing on a drunken binge.”
“Yeah, you could. But I don’t think you will. Like it or not, Chad. Forgive me or not. I believe in you. I believe God has amazing things for you to do. And I don’t think for one second that your future lies in a bottle.”
He embraced her like a lifeline. The same one she’d been since they were kids, only this time it wasn’t in darkness. This time they clung to each other wrapped in light. In hope. In a new beginning.
“I’ll pay you back. Every cent.”
She squeezed him tighter. “You already have. You came home.”
CHAPTER 18
Nervous adrenaline shot through Chad’s limbs as he paced between his truck and the concession stand at Fairfield’s popular drive-in theater. Five screens flashed around him, each angled so patrons could watch their chosen movie without interference or crossover.
He had ten grand in cash burning a hole in his pocket, and a small voice in his head screamed that he should never have come here without backup or his trusty 9mm.
Luckily, the old drive-in was full of people; Slim couldn’t do too much damage in such a crowded place. Even with the starless sky looming black as death.
An engine rumbled in the distance, the boom of the sound system’s bass competing for dominance as the vehicle bounced over the potholed gravel. Chad stopped pacing the minute he saw the make and model. He could pick out Slim’s black Jag in a sea of cars. There was something about the paint. It gleamed as if never tarnished by Slim’s insidious lifestyle.
A shiver ran down Chad’s spine. He’d dreaded this moment for two years. Had stayed away from his hometown, his family, his future, all because he’d let this man seize control of his life. Never again.
The car pulled directly in front of him, and the tinted driver’s window rolled down with agonizingly slow speed, revealing the thin, punishing face of Chad’s greatest regret.
Only, the man he remembered wasn’t scowling. In fact, he seemed almost happy to see him. “Chad Richardson. Welcome home.” It was a voice he’d heard many times in his nightmares, that slow, southern drawl that was both deep and raspy. It made his skin turn cold as if a burst of winter had followed Slim to the drive-in.
The door handle clicked, and Chad stepped back when Slim emerged and rose to full height. The notorious drug dealer had been given his name in juvie when he was a tall, gangly fifteen-year-old. It no longer fit the man in front of him. His chest was broad, and his exposed bicep, lined with ink, could rival men ten years his junior. Not that Slim was old, but pushing forty, he’d definitely outlived most who took on his type of lifestyle.
Slim gripped Chad by the shoulders affectionately. “What’s it been? Two, three years?”
Chad swallowed, having no idea how to even respond to Slim’s odd behavior. “Two.” The last time he’d seen his former dealer, he was on all fours, bleeding and begging for more time. He was sick and addicted and lost. “I have your money.”
Slim waved him off as if the damage he’d done to Chad’s life was as insignificant as the toss of his hand. “Eh, we’ll get to that. First, we need to catch up. How have you been?” His slithery gaze traveled over Chad’s face down to his dusty shoes. “You look good.”
“Probably because I’m sober now.”
“No kidding?” Slim turned back toward his open window. “Garcia, come meet your predecessor.” His gaze returned to Chad, though he still seemed to be talking to his friend. “Chad would have easily been my best guy, if he’d stayed at it.”
The passenger door opened, and a guy Chad didn’t recognize emerged from the other side of the car. There was something nasty about his demeanor, about his obsidian eyes as they met Chad’s over the top of the Jag. His skin was the color of mocha, and he appeared to be crafted in muscle and steel. Worse, he looked capable of crushing a man’s skull in his bare hands.
Garcia approached them, and as Slim slapped him on the back, his winding snake tattoo moved across his arm like it was alive. “Chad, this is Garcia. He just joined our little operation.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Garcia said so dryly it made the hairs on Chad’s neck prickle. This guy may have been new to Slim’s world, but Chad could practically smell his ambition. Even his greeting felt laced with a threat. “Slim says your sales at the beach parties have never been matched. I plan to change that.”
“Well, my dealing days are over, so the honor is all yours.” Chad quickly cast his eyes to Slim. “I’m just here to pay the debt I owe you.”
He had the audacity to grin. “And how much do you think you owe me?”
“Ten thousand.”
“No. That’s what you owed me two years ago. With the added interest . . .” He tapped a finger to his nose, his mind surely calculating a ridiculous figure. “Ten percent a year, plus my energy trying to track you down. I believe your debt is much closer to fourteen.” Slim tilted his head. “But no worries. I’m sure we can come up with something that will benefit us both.”
“I’m done selling. Just take the money. It’s not that much to you anyway.”
Garcia eased clos
er, ready to do whatever his boss needed, but Slim placed a palm on his chest. “Chad’s family. A little bit of a black sheep right now, mind you, but still, we deal with family differently. Don’t we, Chad?”
“Yes,” Chad said, faking a calm he was nowhere near feeling. Slim hurt his enemies, but he disciplined family. Or at least that’s what he’d called it the last time they’d spoken. “Which is why I didn’t rat you out that night,” he continued. “If I hadn’t tossed the evidence, we’d both be in jail right now. I think that bit of loyalty has earned a pass on the interest.”
Slim’s casual smile returned. “I admit that little snafu motivated me to finally seek out some inside sources at the Brunswick PD. It’s become much easier to move inventory.”
Chad felt his pulse jump.
Slim slipped his arm around Chad’s shoulder. “You and I were a good team, Chad. I liked you. I trusted you.” Slim squeezed him tighter than necessary. “I still do. Even more, the ladies like you. They enjoy buying from you. Together we could make a killing. Together, ten grand would be pocket change.”
Nausea rose up his esophagus. Show no fear. Give him no power. “I told you, I’m out.” Chad pushed Slim’s arm off and rolled his shoulders as if to remove the lingering stench. “The money. Do you want it or not?”
Before he could blink, Chad’s spine was slammed against the slick black paint of the Jag.
Using his right forearm to cut Chad’s air supply, Garcia pressed against him, nose to nose, his stale breath fanning over Chad’s paling face. “You’re being disrespectful.”
“I’m not trying to be,” he choked out, his chest now stinging from the lack of oxygen.
“Doesn’t matter.” Garcia’s arm dropped, and Chad had only a brief second to breathe before Garcia pulled him forward and slammed a knee into his abdomen.
Chad knelt to the ground, gasping for air at the feet of Slim’s new associate.
Two thick hands pulled him off the ground by his lapels. Garcia’s eyes glimmered like he truly relished the thought of what he was about to do. The next two blows came to Chad’s side with enough force to break a rib, and probably did. He went down with an agonizing crash. His vision blurred from the pain shooting through his chest.
“That’s enough,” Slim said with terrifying boredom. “I think he understands his tone was inappropriate. Chad?”
“I’m . . . sorry.” Wheezing and coughing, Chad gripped the loose gravel, praying it would somehow offer relief. He lifted pleading eyes to the man he swore he’d never beg from again and did exactly that. “Will you please take this money and release my debt?”
“Of course. All you had to do was ask nicely.” Slim knelt beside him and lifted Chad’s chin, his eyes so sincere Chad wondered if he was an exceptional actor or a true sociopath. “We’re family. Brothers bound together, and I take care of my own.”
“So I’m clear? No more obligation?”
“As I said, you owe me no more money.”
Chad reached into his pocket and pulled the fat white envelope into view. He set it in Slim’s open hand. “Thank you.”
The words stung. Thanking that man was like swallowing acid, but he had no choice.
Chad forced himself to accept Slim’s offered hand and rose back to his feet, the pain still sharp and almost debilitating. Garcia watched from a distance, but Chad could have sworn he saw jealousy flicker in his eyes.
Slim chucked his chin toward the car, and Garcia marched to the passenger side without a word. Chad forced his eyes not to follow. He wasn’t weak anymore, and if Garcia hadn’t caught him by surprise, that fight wouldn’t have been so one sided.
“Whatever you’re thinking, just get it out of your head,” Slim said. “Garcia is a little impulsive, but he’s one of mine now. Just like you.” Slim smacked his arm and passed by. Chad didn’t turn. “I’m sure I’ll see you around soon.”
The door slammed and the engine rumbled to life. Chad closed his eyes and let the sound infiltrate his mind and body. Let it bring a blur of tears that had nothing to do with the lingering pain.
For the first time in years, he felt free.
CHAPTER 19
Laila efficiently worked her way through the seating areas, turning over chairs and wiping tables, all while trying to forget that Chad hadn’t attempted to contact her since he’d hauled away all his stuff almost a week ago. She should be happy. Ben certainly had been when he’d asked for an update, although he hadn’t rescheduled their beach trip. Nor had he mentioned her spending time with Caden again.
Done with the table arrangement, Laila clicked the remote to power on the two large TVs and set each channel to the upcoming playoff game, quickly muting the sound. At the chalkboard, she wrote out the night’s drink specials, then grabbed extra bottles from the back.
But none of her meticulous routine would stop the anxiety welling in her gut. Had Chad left Fairfield? Was he still sober? Should she call Cooper, or would that send the wrong message? The questions only fueled her frustration. She shouldn’t have agreed to keep his return a secret. She shouldn’t have to carry his burden once again.
When she heard the front door push open, Laila glanced down at her watch to make sure she hadn’t miscalculated. No. She still had twenty minutes before opening.
“We’re closed,” she called to what was only a silhouette, due to the unfiltered sunlight. The brightness faded as the door closed, and Katie stepped forward with two clear plastic cups in hand.
“I brought you some tea, freshly made by Lucy herself.” Dressed in jeans and a fitted blue T-shirt, Katie seemed to get more beautiful with age. People thought it was the lighter, shoulder-length hairstyle she now wore, but Laila knew better. Katie glowed with happiness, even more so since marrying Asher.
Laila exhaled and reached for the blessed drink. “Thank you. I so needed this. I was running late and didn’t have time to stop for my usual order.”
“Lucy also said to make sure you eat.” Katie passed a white bag full of mini muffins to Laila’s eager fingers. “Something about recovering from a cold.”
Laila turned away, unable to meet Katie’s eyes. They’d been best friends since they could walk, and Katie could read her like her own diary. Especially when she lied. “Yeah. Just a little bug. I’m better now.” Stalling, she set what was likely to be her dinner on the counter.
“That bug doesn’t happen to be Chad Richardson, does it?”
Laila spun around. “You know?”
“Yeah. He came to see me on Monday.”
“Oh, good. So . . . have you heard from him since?” Laila tried to act casual, but she hung on every expression, even the amused one that said Katie knew exactly why she’d asked.
“I have. We’re meeting for lunch tomorrow.” Katie eyed her suspiciously. “He’s giving you space because you asked for it. Not because he messed up. You know that, right?”
“Of course. I’m just glad he’s starting to tell people he’s home,” she lied.
“Me too.” Katie eased onto a stool at the bar, and time seemed to drop into reverse. Back to when her best friend would spend almost every night at Joe’s keeping her company or helping to serve, if needed. But those memories were long gone. Since Katie had been back in town, she’d only come into Joe’s a handful of times, and never stayed once the crowd showed up. “I couldn’t believe how great he looked. He’s more fit than he was in high school.”
“Yeah, he is.” Laila absently picked up a towel and began wiping down tumblers. She didn’t know what else to say. Chad didn’t just look better. Everything about him was different.
“How are you feeling about all this?” Katie took a sip from her straw and watched her with piercing blue eyes. Why she bothered to ask at all, Laila didn’t know. Katie had walked most of the journey with her. Heck, her actions had been at the root of Laila and Chad’s biggest fights. The girl knew exactly how she felt.
“Angry, confused, surprised, grateful. You name it, and I’ve probably felt it at
some point since he’s been back.”
“I bet.” Katie paused and the break was almost as prickling as the subject matter. “So . . . what are you going to do?”
“About what?”
“About Chad. Are you going to give him another chance?” She shifted her drink, ice hitting the side of the cup the only sound around them. “I mean, he’s done everything you asked him to. He’s been clean for months. He’s kept a job. He’s even giving you space, which you know for Chad is like asking him not to breathe.”
Irritation replaced her growing apprehension. They’d come a long way in the last year, but she and Katie were nowhere near close enough for this conversation. “It’s not that simple anymore. Too much time has passed.”
“Come on. You and I both know that’s not true.” The almost chuckle from Katie’s lips had Laila’s pulse spiking.
She slammed her hand on the counter. “When you came home, I didn’t pressure you about Cooper. I didn’t try and convince you to go back to him. I gave you what you needed. I let you hide away until you were ready to face your past.” She glanced down and noticed her fingers were trembling. “I guess it’s too much to ask the same from you.”
A flash of Katie’s notorious temper crossed her face. “Chad is not Cooper. And you are not me. Those situations cannot be compared.”
“How would you know?” she practically yelled. “You weren’t here for the worst of it. You didn’t see what he became after you left.” Her old resentment came bubbling to the surface. She’d tried to move past it, tried to forgive Katie, and maybe in some ways she had. But Chad coming home was like digging up a decaying body, and all the pain of what she’d lost, what all of them had lost, seemed far worse now than when she’d buried it the first time.
The silence that settled between them made her shift on her feet. Laila knew she wasn’t being fair. Katie had already apologized for what happened years ago. There wasn’t anything left for her to say. “Listen, I didn’t mean to bring up old arguments.”
“No, it’s okay. And you’re right. I wasn’t here during the worst parts.” She played with her straw, scratching the plastic as she pulled it in and out of her cup. “I guess I just don’t understand. You’ve been pining all this time, waiting for him to get clean, and now, he’s here.” She glanced up, confusion and sadness swimming in her eyes.
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