Page 22 of The Golden Boys
My heart lurches inside my chest, but I hide how bad it hurts.
“I won’t see him like that, Ricky. I don’t care what he has to say, I need to move on from this.”
A warm hand covers mine where it rests on the rail, and I don’t move despite knowing I should.
“I know you’re angry, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s your family. Whether out here or in there, he’s blood.”
One tear streaks down my cheek, but I don’t rush to wipe it.
“My mind is made up, Ricky. There’s nothing else to talk about.”
I feel his stare looming over me, but I stand my ground.
“If that’s what you want, I can’t force you.” His hands slips off mine and he shoves both his in the pockets of his jeans.
A rumble of bass from a passerby’s speakers fills the silence between us. But just as I decide to meet his gaze again, I lose it because he’s pointing behind me.
“What’s that?”
My heart sinks when I turn, rushing to snatch the pink shut-off notice from where it’s been placed on the screen door. It doesn’t matter, though, because he’s already seen it.
“How much do you need?”
I ignore his question and focus on the two kids pedaling through the alley on bikes instead.
“So, I’m such a terrible person that I’m not even good enough to help you?” he asks, only now showing signs of frustration.
“Don’t do that,” I shoot back.
“Do what? Point out the truth? Why don’t you just admit what we both know? You think you’re better than me.”
It’s been a terrible day already and I don’t need this. Not on top of everything else.
Stretching my arms toward my house, and then toward my piece-of-crap car, a humorless laugh slips out. “Yes, living in this palace hascertainlygone to my head, Ruiz. Thank you for putting me in my place.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I don’t want your money because I know how you get it,” I shout, correcting his bullshit logic, while also earning Ms. Levinson’s attention. “What makes you think I’d accept dirty cash fromyouif I wouldn’t take it from my own brother? The problem has never been that I’m too good for you. The problem is that you’re too good to blindly let yourself turn into your Uncle Paul, and we both know it.”
“Whatever,” he sighs, waving me off as his nostrils flare—a sure sign I’ve pissed him off. “I have your address. The electric company won’t need more than that. It’ll be taken care of by morning,” he declares.
“Mind your business, Ricky.” My words are pointless, because he’s already disappeared into the alley, hidden from view by Ms. Levinson’s garage.
I swear, every guy I’ve encountered today needs a swift kick in the dick.
Every. Single. One.
Chapter 7
BLUE
Chin up, eyes trained on the building.
Tucking my keys into my pocket, I pop both earbuds in and tune out everything else.
Today doesn’t have to suck, Blue. There’s no guarantee you’ll evenseethose knuckle-draggers. Think positive. Think … positive.
The lot is packed. Nearly every space holds some expensive car or oversized SUV—more room than any teenager would ever actually need. Dressed to kill while leaning against these beasts on wheels, are my new classmates. The music in my ears drowns out their conversations and laughter, but not my own envy. They have a lot that I don’t, but what I covet most is their peace of mind.