Page 39 of Ready Or Not

“Get off.”

I look around in confusion. How am I supposed to get down?

Riley nudges my leg and takes off her sunglasses.

I take a tentative step down. She follows, gripping the helmet and forcing me to look at her. “You look cute all flustered.”

I try to pull away. “Fuck you.”

“Nah, stone-cold top for the ladies.” Riley reaches under my chin and undoes the strap. “Take it off.”

I do, yanking it off my head. My hair is knotted and sweaty underneath, and I suck in a breath of hot air. “Where are we?”

Riley just winks at me and starts walking up the steps. “Come.”

“Whose house is this?” I hiss, feeling like I’m the one doing something wrong.

Riley knocks on the door and shoots me a dark look. I look over my shoulder. There’s nothing but dead grass and an empty road. There’s nowhere to run, and I’d be an easy target to shoot. I move up beside her on the porch.

Riley knocks again, and the door jerks open. A man in his twenties stands there. He has a wrinkled shirt and a headset on. He blinks.

I stare at him, torn. What do I do? Do I ask for help?

“Hey! Martha?” Riley looks past him.

He just stares at us. “Ummm, no.”

“Oh my god, I’m sorry!” Riley’s voice is concerned. “My coworker’s mom wasn’t picking up her phone, and he wanted us to check on her since he’s out of state.”

The man just looks confused. “You have the wrong address.”

Riley flashes me a flustered look. “Well, shit.” She blows out a breath, then laughs softly. “Damn, I’m sorry. I could have sworn this was the address he gave us.”

Riley glances past him again. “Oh my god, you play too?”

The man glances over his shoulder.

“I love that game!” Riley throws the man a shy smile. “I’m not very good at it. Can’t find anyone to help me.” She starts rattling on about a specific map and layout.

I stand there in utter confusion. Riley is standing there having a normal conversation as if she didn’t force me under threat to be here.

I try to plead with the man with my eyes.

“Oh no shit, this is the same map I always get stuck on!” Riley is excited now. “You think you can show me real quick before we have to go?”

The man looks hesitant, but seeing Riley bat her eyes at him, he straightens and steps back.

Anger rushes through me. He’s falling for her flirting with him? He’s not even that attractive, with his untrimmed hair and greasy face. He ought to know she’d never be interested.

Riley reaches back to grab my hand.

I yank it out of hers. “What are you doing?” I hiss.

For a second, Riley’s eyes look dangerous. Then it’s gone, and she flashes me a smile. “Grocery shopping. Now come on.” And she yanks me inside.

18

Dirt Nap - Diggy Graves