Page 57 of Twisted Needs

I shake my head and start backing toward the elevators before they can rope me into another hour downstairs.

Behind me, Vandy calls out, “Goodnight, Big P.!”

“I’m trading you tomorrow,” I yell back without turning around.

His laughter follows me all the way to the elevator doors.

CHAPTER 15

EARTH TO TWUNK

ANDERS

Luca de Sousa

Are you gonna call me back?

Or text me back?

I don’t know what the fuck is up with you but you can’t just ignore my calls.

God, Andy. You know I’m trying. Just humor me for a minute.

“Charlotte Malloy,” Aviva says slowly, staring across the thrift store in genuine disbelief, “what the actual fuck are you wearing?”

Charlie doesn’t even look up from the mirror. “Fashion,” she answers calmly. “Serving Cheetah Girl.”

“You look like you sell cigarettes outside a nightclub.”

“Thank you. I love the drunk cig lady.”

The tube top is skin-tight with black lace trim stitched around the bust like a fake corset. She paired it with low-rise jeans and bright pink flip-flops she found in a clearance bin fifteen minutes ago and somehow still looks offensively pretty. I think Charlie could wear a potato sack and somebody would ask for her number. She slips on a leather jacket with faux fur around the cuffs and turns toward the mirror again. I nearly choke on my iced coffee. “Oh my God,” I laugh. “Turn around.”

“What?”

“The back.”

Charlie twists awkwardly, trying to read over her shoulder. “Club Rogue?” She reads slowly. “What is that?”

Aviva bursts into laughter immediately. “That is a strip club.”

Charlie’s eyes narrow. “Why is there a naked silhouette?”

“Because it’s a strip club.”

“A classy establishment,” I add solemnly. “I’m pretty sure politicians go there to destroy their marriages.”

“I’ve heard of it,” Aviva says, still laughing. “Cal went once with Bishop and some of the older guys on the team. Apparently it feels like walking into a sex dungeon.”

Charlie gags. “Aviva, stop, I’m gonna throw up.”

Aviva shrugs. “It’s true.”

Poor Charlie’s face contorts. “I don’t wanna hear about my brother going to a sex dungeon!”

“Strip club,” I correct, snorting.

I was dangerously close to blowing my friends off, but lately I’ve been trying just about anything to keep myself occupied. If I’m busy, I’m not thinking about texting Parker.