Page 293 of 5+Us Makes Seven

Cooper

The next morning, I woke up as confused as the night before? What the hell was Jade’s problem? She had called me, invited me over, let me fuck her, and then went nuts crying? What the hell?

I picked up my phone from the nightstand and turned on the screen. No messages. Maybe it was a one-off? She didn’t seem like that type of woman, but what the hell do I know? Not much.

After throwing the covers back, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched my arms. She had been a good lay. I couldn’t deny that one bit.

The look on her face when she came stuck with me as I went through my morning routine, gradually waking up and getting ready for the day. With no job, I had nothing but time.

Around lunch, my phone rang. I grabbed it excitedly, expecting to see her phone number on the screen, but it was one I didn’t recognize. Who the hell is this? I answered.

“Hello?”

“Hey man, what’s up. Long time no hear.”

“Who is this?” I asked, not sure about the voice.

“Damn, bro. We lose touch for a year, and you’ve already forgotten me.”

“Oh, hey, Max. I didn’t expect to hear from you again.”

“Yeah, you made that quite evident last time we met.”

“What’s up?” I asked, getting straight to the point. “If this is about the past…”

“No, no,” he interrupted. “I want to talk to you about a new opportunity. What are you doing these days?”

“Nothing much,” I admitted.

“You did all that complaining back in A-stan, but you’re enjoying that money, aren’t you?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said, not believing what he was saying on the phone.

“Look, let’s meet up, okay? This is a solid idea, and you’re the perfect partner.”

“I don’t know, Max.”

“You fucking afraid?”

“Man, don’t do that to me.”

“Do what?”

“Try to manipulate me. It doesn’t work.”

He laughed.

“Not anymore, huh? Anyway, what do you say? At least hear me out.”

“Fine. When do you want to do it?”

“You got time now? I have a hot date tonight.”

“Sure, now is fine. Where you at?”

“Let’s meet at Lucy’s Diner on Fifty-Third Street.”

“I’ll see you there in half-an-hour,” I said then ended the call.