Nets and Lies(48)

I glanced over at Nick. He was smiling at Mrs. Santoriello. When he caught me looking at him, he winked. It was my turn to duck my head.

“That’s a very sweet story,” I murmured. Before she could say anything else, I hightailed it back over to my customers to see if they needed anything.

I had just grabbed up a pitcher of sweet tea when I saw Detective Pendley standing in the doorway. I skidded to a stop. Just like I’d been avoiding Mom pressing me to go to the authorities, I’d also been avoiding any contact from the detectives or my lawyer. I just wanted everything to go away and forget that I had ever cried rape against Coach T. I was ridiculous to think I could just wish it all away. I’d created too much of a shit storm for that.

I strolled as nonchalantly as I could up to Detective Pendley. “Oh, hey, how are you?”

He forced a smile. “I’m doing better now that I’m finally able to see you.”

Damn, I’d been busted. “I’m sorry. With changing schools and all, things have been pretty hectic.” Trying to change the subject, I asked, “Would you like a table or booth?”

“Is there any specific reason why we’re no longer able to reach you on your cell or home phone?”

“Well, we had the numbers changed because of the threats I’d been receiving.”

Detective Pendley arched his eyebrows. “It would have been nice of you to share your new numbers.”

I glanced away from his intense stare. “Look, I’m sorry. I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”

“I came by today to update you on the case.”

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you as well.” I tried desperately to fight the fear creeping over me.

“Melanie Reeves has been hospitalized the past week after suffering a nervous breakdown.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “Oh my God, what happened?”

“She admitted to being raped by Mark Thompson.”

The pitcher of tea slid from my hand and smashed onto the floor. Ignoring the mess and the looks of shock from the other customers, I said, “She finally came clean?”

Detective Pendley nodded. “Her admission changes everything. It’s practically a slam dunk case now.”

“Wow, that’s great,” I murmured.

“I just thought you’d like to know.”

I didn’t know what to say or do, so I bobbed my head. “Um, yeah, I’m glad you came by. I’ll have my mom call your office with our new numbers.”

Smirking, Detective Pendley said, “I suppose with this news you won’t avoid me or McKay anymore?”

“No,” I whispered. After he breezed through the doors, I exhaled noisily. Nick appeared with a mop and started cleaning up the tea. “Oh no, let me do that. It was all my fault.”

“It’s okay, Jordan. I got it. Just get back to your customers.”

Somehow I made it through the rest of my shift. It was like I was on auto-pilot while taking orders and filling drinks. My mind couldn’t think of anything but Melanie and her breakdown.

When I was almost done closing up, I went in search of Nick. I found him in his usual spot out on the steps.

“Got a smoke?”

He grinned as he dug into his pants pocket. He passed me one of his standard Marlboro Lights. “Hey moocher, last time I checked, you work just like I do.”

“Nah, I’d much rather depend on the kindness of strangers for my smoking habit,” I replied, bringing the cigarette to my lips.

As Nick leaned over and lit my cigarette, I couldn’t help but hold my breath. Something about having him that close just sent me tingling from head to toe. And of course, that induced a guilt trip.

When he extinguished the lighter flame, he said, “Dude, anyone who can quote Tennessee Williams can bum smokes off me anytime.”

I eased down on the concrete steps beside him. “You’ve read A Streetcar Named Desire?”

“Hell yeah.” I guess my face must’ve registered some immense surprise because he snorted. “This may shock you Jordan, but I do have other talents besides being the best Italian cook in a fifty mile radius!”

I laughed. “Yeah, yeah, I know that, smartass. It’s just I didn’t take you for someone who was a big reader.”

Nick cocked his head at me, and I winced. “Damn. I’m sorry. That so did not come out right.” Staring into his blue eyes, I couldn’t control the further word vomit when I said, “I mean, I’m only reading it because we have to in school.” I sighed. “Jeez, you always make me say the wrong things. I get so tongue-tied around you.” Oh Jesus. Did I actually just say that to him? I wished for the parking lot to open up and swallow me from the epic embarrassment.

Flicking the ashes to the ground, Nick took another drag on his cigarette. “You don’t impress me as the type of girl who gets nervous around a guy.”

“Trust me, I’m usually not,” I protested through a cloud of smoke.

“Then why do I make you nervous?”

My breath hitched in my chest. “Because I’ve never met a guy like you before.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not.”

“Coming from me, you really should.”

Nick leaned forward. “And just how do you see me, Jordan?”