Beautiful Burn (The Maddox Brothers, #4)(92)

Tyler rolled down the window. “I’ve put up with a lot of shit to make this work, and you don’t give a single f*ck.”

“I warned you!”

“That’s bullshit, Ellie! Just because I warn a bank I’m going to rob it, doesn’t mean the bank had it coming!”

“Be sure to tell everyone at the bar that when you’re crying in your beer,” I seethed.

“I don’t have to go to the bar every time something in my life doesn’t go right. It’s called being an adult. And I’m damn sure not crying over you,” he said, rolling up the window. He stomped on the gas, squealing backward in a half-circle, and then spun out of the back lot and into the street, barreling toward the highway.

I stood alone for a while, stunned. In the year I’d known him, Tyler had never spoken to me that way. Love made people hate in a way they never would have before.

The snow made the world quiet, but even silence made a sound. I tugged my luggage through the snow, up and over the curb to the back door. My key was ice cold, burning my fingers while my hand trembled. In a steady rhythm, the wheels banged against every stair, and then I let it all fall forward when I made it to the top.

I took the few steps to the fridge and grabbed the last can of beer, noticing the only thing left was moldy cheese and a bottle of mustard. The beer hissed at me when I popped the top, the bitter liquid feeling cold and comforting in my throat. There was half a pint of vodka in the cabinet, but payday was a week away.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket, and I scrambled to answer.

“Hello?”

“It’s Jojo. You back?”

“I am,” I said, brushing the snow from my hair.

“You bored?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Cheap drinks at a dive bar?” she said. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Sounds perfect.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX


Jon Bon Jovi played from the jukebox in the corner, its yellow, green, and blue glow one of the only sources of light in Turk’s besides the fluorescents over the bar.

A small group of local snowboarders were shooting tequila in the corner, and despite my occasional flirtatious glances in their direction, they weren’t going to share.

Annie stayed busy behind the bar, raking in the last of the ski season’s share of tips. I was sitting on a stool in front of her soda gun, watching her mix drinks I couldn’t afford. Jojo had already bought me two, and I wasn’t going to ask for another. Unfortunately, no one was looking to flirt with a jetlagged, hungover party girl too broke to party.

I looked around, feeling more desperate as the minutes passed, listening to Jojo go on about Liam and his invitation for her to meet him in North Carolina.

A shot was placed in front of me, and I turned to thank whoever it was. My smile faded when I saw a platinum pompadour and sweet grin.

“You look like you’ve had better days, Ellie,” Paige said, straightening one of her enormous gold leaf earrings.

I faced forward. “Go away, Paige.”

“That’s not very nice. I just bought you a drink.”

I craned my neck at her. “My sister won’t speak to me because of you.”

Jojo leaned forward. “I can’t believe you did that, Paige. What the f*ck were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t,” she said without apology. “I was drunk and maybe a lot high.”

Jojo wrinkled her nose. “What happened to you? You used to be so sweet. Now you’re full of holes and covered in cheap artwork.”

“Go f*ck a kangaroo, Jojo.”

“You’re a cunt rag, Paige. Your fake, innocent smile fools no one,” Jojo said, turning to watch the television overhead.

Paige seemed unfazed, resting her cheek on her palm. “I wasn’t trying to be mean. I didn’t realize it was a secret.”

“If you’re going to pull something that heinous, at least own it. I’d respect you more,” I said, grabbing the shot and throwing it down my throat.

“Want another one?” she asked, arching an eyebrow. She had plans for me, and I didn’t care what they were. I just wanted to get drunk and not care for a night.

“It depends. What did you put in that shot?”

“Nothing fun, unless you’re making a request.”

“I’ll just take another drink.”

Paige signaled to Annie, who nodded.

“Where’s your boy?” Paige asked, lifting her leg to climb onto the stool to my right. She was wearing tight jeans and a tank top under a flannel shirt, showing off her curves and cleavage all while staying warm.

“Not here,” I said, throwing back the next shot Annie sat before me.

“Hey,” Paige said with a giggle. “Wait for me.” She lifted her chin and the dark liquid left the glass, emptying down her throat. She placed the glass upside down and slid it toward Annie, ordering two doubles.

I drank them as fast as Annie could make them. Finally, Paige cut me off. “You’re going to drink my paycheck. I came in with a fifty, and it’s gone.”

“Thank you,” I said, holding up my empty tumbler.

“Pace yourself,” Jojo said. “When Dad falls off the wagon, it’s easier for him to climb back on without a hangover.”