KING(47)

He had a point, but Preppy didn’t know that there was a reason for that, and I planned to keep that reason to myself for the time being.

“What exactly would you like for me to talk to her about? Because the where do you come from, what’s your name, thing doesn’t exactly apply in her case.”

Preppy huffed and linked his fingers together behind his neck. “I don’t know. You could ask her something simple, like maybe, how she likes her sandwiches or something.”

“Sandwiches. You want me to ask her about sandwiches?”

“Why the f*ck not? Everyone likes a delicious sandwich, and talking about them is better than talking about the heavy shit you seem to be carrying around these days.”

This is why Preppy was my best friend. He saw right through me.

“I know Max is important. I know we need to get her back, but until then, you still have a life to live, man. And talking to the girl, who for all intents and purposes is living in our house, isn’t going to get in the way of that.”

That’s what you think.

“Have you even f*cked her yet? I mean, the chick sleeps in your bed and shit. What the f*ck is that all about?”

“That’s none of your f*cking business,” I warned. He was crossing a line.

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll take that as a no. Maybe, that’s why you’ve been so f*cking grumpy since you got out. Maybe you just need to get some ass. Get laid. Get all up in there before your dick shrivels up and falls the f*ck off.”

“I’ve gotten laid since I’ve gotten out, so shut the f*ck up about it. This isn’t about liking her or about f*cking her. This is about me saying NO and you listening to me for once!”

“King, you’ve been my best friend since the dinosaurs roamed the earth, so listen to me when I tell you that you look at her like you want to f*ck her brains out, but you treat her like she’s garbage under your shoe. It’s not cool, man. You’re the one who decided to keep her here, which wasn’t the brightest idea to begin with, so let me have a little fun with her for f*ck’s sake.”

“This is about a debt that needs to be paid,” I said, unconvincingly.

“Oh come on! We both know she didn’t take anything. And since when is it up to you to dole out life lessons on who needs to pay for what? You some kind of life coach now? Besides, she’s not your property. She’s a person, not a f*cking car.”

“That’s rich coming from you.” I’ve witnessed Preppy doing things that made even my skin crawl, but if he was going to throw my shit in my face, then I was going to throw his shit in his.

“Seriously, she isn’t yours. You can’t just take her.”

“Yes, she is mine, and I did just take her. She sleeps in my bed, doesn’t she? Next to me. I may not have f*cked her, but it was me she turned to when she wanted to get off the other night, and me who gave her what she needed. So no, I haven’t f*cked her, yet. But the answer is still no, you can’t f*cking take her out,” I said through gritted teeth, I could feel my veins tighten as my blood pressure sky-rocketed.

Preppy cocked his head to the side and smiled. A recognition of some sort settled over his face. “Well, she’s not my property. She’ s my friend. So, if I can’t take her out, then you have to take her. I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it for her. She’s been through some shit, and we both know what that’s like. The kid deserves a break. A little f*cking fun.”

“Fuck no. I’m not going to f*cking date her. And this isn’t up for debate. No date. No nothing. Just f*cking drop it.” For the first time in my life, I felt like punching Preppy. He’s never coaxed that kind of anger from me before.

“Man, get your f*cking head out of your ass. She’s just a confused kid. Either you take her, or you let me take her. I may call you Boss-Man, but we’re friends, and that doesn’t mean you can make all my decisions for me. You may call the shots, but I’m still my own person. I’m not asking you here. I’m telling you.”

“Fine!” I shouted. Throwing my arms up in the air. “Take her out on a f*cking date. What the f*ck do I care anyway? Go! Have a f*cking blast!”

I sat back down on my stool and pretended to fiddle with my equipment. Why the f*ck I was getting so riled up to begin with was beyond me.

Maybe, I’d just forgotten how to interact with people who weren’t wearing orange jumpsuits or correctional officer uniforms.