Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“What? No! Of course not. He wouldn’t—I mean…” Flustered, I cut the water and wring it out of Clyde’s hair. “He might not be best at expressing himself, but he is a person who cares very deeply. He has that calm energy about him, and in the cave… well, I worried I might never see the sun again, but not that he’d assault me.” Because that’s what Clyde’s insinuating, isn’t he? I’m not truthful, strictly speaking, because the thought that it might happen did race around my mind when I first found myself in Creep’s secret room, but I would rather tell a white lie than have anyone think that Creep might be capable of hurting me.
“Okay, but if he… gets out of hand, you can come to me and Road. You live here now, so you might worry about rocking the boat. I get that. You’re the first guy we’ve ever seen him with, and as far as I know him, he… you gotta admit, he’s strange, right?”
What an infuriating mix of a friendly and reassuring sentiment blended with an insult to my man. But Clyde means well, I think, so I temper the first response that comes to my mind, take a deep breath, and only then speak. “Thank you, that’s very kind, but I don’t think I’ll need any help. Creep is a bit of an oddball, sure, but he’s also very thoughtful, and kind, and I like him.” And saying that out loud makes me once more regret rejecting his invitation so quickly.
Clyde nods. “And… what is his cave like? We’ve got a bet going. Some of us think it’s basic and he sleeps on the floor, and some of us think it’s got all amenities, a stash of cash, and high-speed internet.”
I chortle, spraying his hair with lightweight oil, then combing its entire length. The cave definitely isn’t some James Bond villain lair, but Creep asked me to not discuss his home, and I won’t break my promise. “You wish! Keep that bet going a bit longer, and maybe one day he will show you.”
Clyde sighs. “Oh I see how it is! You want to keep the secret route to his riches to yourself. Fair, I can respect that.”
I resist the urge to pat his head as if he were a golden retriever that’s returned my rubber ball. “Speaking of respect… are you and Road going to that biker rally that’s coming?” I ask, because maybe if Domino’s club isn’t there, I could tell Creep I’ve changed my mind and make him smile again?
“Yeah, it’s gonna be this big thing, with a funfair nearby and the whole nine yards. And if anyone tries to give us shit about us being together, they can taste my knuckles.”
He sounds so confident. I like it.
“So… who’s going to be there? I assume it’s a large gathering,” I tell him and grab my hair dryer.
“Several non-one percenter clubs as well, since it’s no murder and mayhem kind of party. Things can always spiral, but I doubt it. Some people from Vulture Hollow are even bringing their teens.”
“Do you know who exactly will be there?” I ask, hoping he won’t find the question suspicious. If he does, I’ll mute him with the dryer and then strategically change the topic.
He opens his eyes and it’s like they’re drilling into me. “What do you mean? It’s not a party with a guest list. Anyone can rock up. Are you asking if you can come?”
I chew on my lip, then make up my mind and speak. “Creep asked me to go with him.”
Clyde whistles. “Oooh… it’s that serious then?”
My stomach drops. Is it? Was him asking me such a big deal? And I said no?
Damn, I’m such an idiot. Especially since it happened so soon after I rejected his offer to move into the cave. I could sense he saw it as a slight, even though I didn’t mean it that way.
Congratulations, Angel, you’ve clearly lost some of your social muscle!
“We… spend a lot of time together.”
“Has he moved in with you? It’s hard to tell, because he sneaks around so much.”
I shake my head, feeling a loss I definitely shouldn’t, not after knowing Creep for such a brief time, but deep down I’m a bit upset that he’d rather be in the cave than with me. “We move fast, but not that fast.”
Just talking about it makes me want to see him again. At least it’s time to dry Clyde’s hair, so he won’t be able to ask any more questions. I take extra time pampering his hair since it’s so luscious and he cares for it so well, and then I’m treated to a big fat tip on top of the fee, but even that can’t sweeten my mood.
It’s been such a weird day. A mix of sweet moments, disappointments, and having to put on my customer service mask, and now I’m walking back to my cabin with secret hopes of Creep breaking into my house.