Trish was ready in record time. She came out of her room in shorts cut high enough to show her butt and a tank top that she filled out much better than I ever could.
I followed her out of our place and down to Abel’s car. She didn’t hesitate to slide into the front seat, and I struggled to squeeze my way into the back. Abel’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, and he smirked, clearly amused by my discomfort.
“I’m dying for some coffee. You’re my hero.” Trish was primping her hair as we pulled onto the road.
“A hero? That’s probably the nicest thing I’ve been called today.” He glanced at me again, and I scoffed a little too loudly as I crossed my arms over my chest. I hated being the third wheel, but it was my perpetual place in this fucked‐up world. I lived in the past and merely existed in the present, with no care for my future. That’s just the way it was.
I sank back in my seat as I stared out of the side window, watching the world whirl by as Trish flirted with Abel and scooted herself damn near onto his lap. I slid over behind him so I wouldn’t have to meet his eyes in the mirror.
“That was some good shit last night. You think you can hook us up with some more?” she asked, and I lay my head against the cool glass.
“No. Sorry. I don’t sell anymore.”
“Aw…come on.” She pouted and pressed her chest against his arm.
“Do you smell that?” I asked, leaning forward so my face was between theirs.
“Smell what?” Trish asked, as she pulled her hair under her nose and sniffed it.
“Smells like smoke,” I said. “I think something is burning. Oh, my God. I think your car is on fire!”
Abel pulled off the road and hurried out of the car. I pushed out from the backseat and stood next to him as he opened the hood and leaned over the engine to examine it.
He shrugged. “Everything looks fine.”
“Are you sure? I still smell it.” I shrugged, and he bent over further under the hood.
I leaned in next to him and whispered into his ear, “Maybe your pants are on fire, liar!” I grinned as he stood up quickly and banged his head on the underside of the hood. I couldn’t contain the laughter that bubbled out of me as he rubbed the sore spot on the back of his skull.
“That’s some commitment to a joke, Kettle. I’m impressed.”
“The bump to the head was a bonus.” I laughed. “That was karma.”
“What do I have to do to make you believe me?”
“You could throw away the drugs, drug dealer.”
“Fine.”
“Really? You’d just throw them away? Why not give them to Trish then or use them yourself?”
“Because Trish would give one to you and—no offense, Lie—you’re just dumb enough to take it again.”
“Drug dealer with a heart. I’m touched,” I replied dryly.
“I don’t do drugs,” he said. “Never have.”
“So the pot and the painkillers?”
“Pot isn’t a drug. Not when you get it for medical purposes, and those painkillers are for an injury I got during the boating accident.”
“Oh…wait. Medical marijuana is legal in Florida?”
“No.” He sighed. “But I did have a prescription in California. It’s not my fault they haven’t legalized here yet.”
“I thought you’ve been here since you were thirteen.”
“I went home for a funeral. It was a while ago, and I don’t plan to ever go back. Are we done or do you need a blood sample from me as well?” he snapped, and I took a step back, wishing I knew when to shut my mouth.
“I’ll settle for some caffeine and another bump on your head.”
Abel tried to hold his scowl, but his smile won over.
“Should I get out or something? Is this thing on fire?” Trish called from her window, and I shook my head at her delayed concern for her own safety.
“We should go.” Abel put the hood down and opened his door for me to slide into the backseat. I did and was thankful I’d chosen jeans today or my ass would have been right in his face.
After we pulled back out onto the road, Trish slid her body against Abel’s and praised him for once again saving her day. He rubbed the back of his head, and I smiled to myself.
We pulled up to the coffee shop, and all I could smell was heaven. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until we arrived.
The Java Junkie was practically empty, with most college students still being in bed, so we were able to the score the coveted corner booth. Abel slid in, and Trish pushed in next to him, so I was left alone on the opposite side. A barista came to our table and took our orders, and we sat in awkward silence for a few minutes.