Page 19 of Last Boy

I’ve been sick about it ever since. I know I need to say something to Cade. Just to let him know I’m here. That he can talk to me. After all, if anyone understands how awful addiction can be…it’s me. I’ve never done drugs myself, but I’ve seen firsthand the effects they have on others. They can take the kindest person and turn them into a monster. I don’t want that to happen to Cade. He’s too good of a person for that.

“Hey, Cade?” I say, keeping my voice as soft as I can. “Can I ask you something?”

“You can, but I might not answer.” He gives me a playful wink, only making what I need to say harder to come out of my mouth. “This isn’t Truth or Dare. So, technically…”

I give him a serious look before walking in front of him. “I know you and I aren’t super close. And if it wasn’t for this fundraiser, we probably would have gone through our whole lives without speaking. But I just…please don’t get mad.”

Right away, I know that he’s going to be upset. His entire body tenses, just like I expected it to. One thing I’ve learned about addicts is that they are always on the defense, it seems.

“If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. About Haley. Or…other stuff.” I look down, wanting to cower, but I force myself to look him right in the eye and stand taller. “My brother is an addict and—”

“Whoa, girl,” he says, stopping me. “I don’t know what you’re trying to imply, but pump the fucking brakes.”

“There’re just a lot of signs, you know? That you’re…using drugs,” I whisper. “You’re always late. You’re moody. I swear you’ve lost a little weight since we started dancing together.” I pause, swallowing. “But mostly…I saw your truck at Van’s last night. He’s a bad dude, Cade. I really hope you’re not getting tangled up with him.”

“How about you just worry about getting this dance the fuck over with and don’t worry about me?” He glowers, his face turning red with anger. And maybe embarrassment too. “I’m not your brother, Poppy. Don’t ever say shit like that again to me either. If you do, you’ll be dancing by yourself at the fundraiser. That’s a promise.”

Before I can say another word, he turns away and rushes out of the studio. Leaving me feeling even worse about bringing it up.

I’d love to go to my brother and threaten him to stay the hell away from Cade, but what would be the point? The Van I used to know is long gone. There’s no reasoning with the person he is now.

And realization hits that I have no one to talk to about any of this. I love Ryann, but I’ve never told her about where I came from. Not really anyway. In another world, maybe I could run to Walker, and he’d hold me like he used to. And we could sit in silence, and everything would just…melt away. But that other world doesn’t exist. There’s just this hellhole of one I’m in now.

Walker

I pull the door open and head inside, instantly spotting the back of Lana’s head in the front-row seat. The studio was occupied all day. And since this is the last possible day of rehearsal before the fundraiser event, we’re practicing on the theater stage instead.

We missed almost a week of practice because she was sick. When she felt better, I had away games in North Carolina. So, today’s practice won’t be easy. I know I’m not nearly ready for that fundraiser, but I’m going to try my best.

When she sees me, she cringes slightly. This will be the first time we’ve seen each other since the night at Club 83, when she was basically trying to dry-hump me on a barstool. I know she was pretty wasted, but she’s flirted with me since the beginning of this whole partnership.

“Shall we…go stretch?” she says shyly, waving toward the stage.

“Sure.” I nod, following her.

When we both take a seat on the wooden floor, she blows out a breath. “So…I’m really sorry for how I acted the other night. I was drunk. And truthfully, the fact that my ex-boyfriend of two years cheated on me has made me act a little…wild. But even I know I was out of line.” She blushes. “If a guy acted that way to a girl, the police would be involved.” She chews her lip. “I’m really embarrassed, Walker.”

I feel her shame, so I reach over and pat the top of her hand. “I’m sorry about your ex. He sounds like a shitbag of a human. Especially to cheat on a catch like you.” I give her a small, reassuring smile. “And I didn’t push you away, Lana. And my hand grazed your thigh, you know.” I bring my hand away slowly. “I promise, it’s all good.” I elbow her gently. “And besides, there was a far better man interested in you that night. A much more deserving one.”

A smile stretches across her entire face, and her cheeks redden deeper. “Yeah. He’s, uh…he’s something all right.” She giggles. “Thanks for that.”

“Does that mean it worked out?” I ask, pretty fucking pleased with myself for being a matchmaker.

“You could say that. But I’m not looking to jump into another relationship. But, yeah…he’s sweet. And fun.” Her cheeks redden, and she covers her face. “Anyway, new subject. I’m going to ask you something, and I want the truth.”

I immediately stiffen, scared of what the heck she’s about to ask me.

“Yeah?”

“If it wasn’t for Poppy Wilson…would I have had a shot?”

When my gaze snaps to hers, she smiles, sighing slightly. “Walker, that night, I saw the way you watched her. And then, when you walked over to her? Well, it was pretty clear there’s history.” She swallows. “I wanted to ask her about it, but I didn’t want her to feel like I was being pushy. One thing with Poppy…she doesn’t open up much.”

“Yeah.” I finally nod. “If it wasn’t for her, I promise you…I would have taken you home that night.” I laugh. “Hell, probably the first time you rubbed your ass on my dick during practice.”

Covering her mouth with her hand, she laughs. “Oh my gosh. I’m awful.”

“Hey, guys like Elias? They need a woman who knows what she wants.”