Toxic Bad Boy(29)

“I’m no artist, but I hope to run a gallery someday.”

My mom wandered off with Debra to check out a new piece. Since I’d be sort of working with Norah, I figured I should be polite. “Jim said you’re at DU?”

Norah’s smile brightened, making her green eyes sparkle. I belatedly noticed she was really pretty, with dark brown hair that fell halfway down her back. “I just finished my freshman year.”

“I just got out of youth corrections,” I told her, wondering if she knew.

Her head tilted, but she didn’t lose the grin. “I know. It’s being used to drum up interest in the buyers.” Green eyes swept down my body and I recognized her interest.

Fuck it.

“Are you going to be at the dinner on Wednesday?”

She put a hand on my arm and I was disappointed it wasn’t another girl’s. Then I was pissed at myself for being disappointed at all. “If you tell Jim you want me there, I will be.”

“I’ll let him know.”

“Ready, Caleb?” my mom asked as she and Debra returned.

“Sure. Debra, will Norah be coming Wednesday night?”

She glanced between us, hesitating only a moment. “Of course. I’ll let Jim know.”

Norah went to answer the ringing phone. “See you Wednesday, Caleb!”

My mom wore a frown as we walked to her car. “Have you talked to Gianna?”

“Not discussing my ex-girlfriend with my mom.” I put on my sunglasses. The sunny weather was a direct contrast to my stormy mood. A glance at my phone told me Gianna was still ignoring me.

My mom huffed in frustration, but let it go.

I had her drop me off at my car so I could go over to Hailey’s, texting that I was on my way. Since Hailey’s parents were home, I’d be picking her up. Hailey’s dad hated me and wasn’t afraid to let it be known. He considered me one of her wild friends she partied with and a bad influence on his daughter. It was a good thing he had no idea of our past relationship as fuck buddies.

I could easily talk Hailey into hooking up to relieve my need for sex. After puking my guts out Friday night, I’d laid in bed all day yesterday, sick from drinking and hurting over Gianna. If I was honest with myself, I didn’t want any girl but her.

I wanted my girl.

It didn’t feel right she now belonged to another guy.

And that was why I needed a favor from Hailey.

She waited on the sidewalk, smoking a cigarette and wearing a tank top and shorts. Her hair was blond now instead of red and a lot longer. Pulling open the passenger door to my Camaro, she hopped in. “How’s it going, inmate 666?”

I started driving when a car honked behind mine. “I’m a free man now.”

“You on probation?” she asked, flicking her ashes out the open window.

“Until next year when I turn eighteen.” That part sucked, but I’d do my best not to get into trouble before then. “How about you?”

Her grin was smug. “I’m too sneaky to get caught.”

“Right.” Her ass was always in trouble.

“So what are you doing hitting me up when you could be with your perfect Gianna?”

I clenched the clutch, taking a turn too fast. “Maybe I missed you.”

Her bugged out and she chuckled. “You got dumped!” The laughter got louder and more obnoxious. “This is great! That prissy bitch dumped your ass the moment you were sprung!”

I pulled into a gas station, parking in front of the convenience store. “Shut up, Hailey.”

“I freaking told you! Didn’t I tell you that bitch wouldn’t stick with you?” Her cigarette flew out the window and she automatically reached into her bag for the next one. Lighting two, she handed one to me.

I took a drag, turning off the car. “You’re the one acting like a bitch right now.”

She pouted, pretending at commiseration. “Oh, I’m sorry, Caleb.”

“Jesus Christ. Don’t fucking say you’re sorry. I’m tired of hearing that shit from people. Everyone is fucking sorry, even Gianna.”

“So what happened?” Her concern was almost genuine, but the lingering glee in her eyes couldn’t be hidden.

Moving my gaze to the windshield, I muttered, “She supposedly fell in love with her friend, Gage.”

“The one you were paying to watch out for her?” Her expression was finally genuine as she looked puzzled for a moment. The laughter renewed to the point of tears. “You paid him to steal your girlfriend!”

“I didn’t pay him,” I clarified. “Ian did.”

“Same thing!”

“Do you want to quit?” I asked as she wiped at her tears.