“Yeah, but he didn’t stay. Says I’m a bad influence.” He takes another drag and laughs. “He’s gotten soft.”
“He had a hard time getting off the pain meds.” I’ve never used this shit, so I don’t know how it feels, but I imagine he took one look and left while he had the chance. “We missed you at the lake.”
He bends a knee and rubs his eyes. “Yeah, I don’t feel like being in the sun.”
Getting off the stool, he goes to the couch and wraps a blanket around his shoulders. He looks skinny to me. His dark hair is a greasy mess on his head,
and he needs a shave.
“We missed you.” If missing is the same as concern.
“I didn’t want to see anybody.” His eyes are on the coffee table, and I want to slip that little baggie in my pocket and flush it.
“Thanks.”
“Except that new Morgan girl. She’s pretty.”
The mention of Raquel makes me pissed again. “She’s alright.”
“She reminds me of her sister.”
“Yeah.” I reach for a cigarette now, firing it up and taking a long pull. “I think they have a lot in common.” I say it through an exhale of smoke.
“How would you know?” He cuts his eyes at me. “You never liked Renée.”
I’m done talking about it. Clearing my throat, I stand. “I’m heading out. Eat something. I want you at work tomorrow.” I lean down and pick up the suspicious baggie. “None of this.”
He studies it a minute. “I’m not planning to do anything with that.”
“Then why do you have it?”
Tired hazel eyes cut up to me, and he shrugs. “Never know.”
“Not tonight. You’re coming in tomorrow to get with Taron on social media.”
I want to take it. I should fucking take it, but I’m not sure where he got it or if he’ll just go out and get more. I don’t want him going anywhere besides bed.
“It’s not that hard. Anybody could do it if I’m not there.”
“You’re the only one who knows the accounts and passwords. Eat, shower, and be in the office tomorrow.”
“Sir, yes sir.” He looks up at me, his tone sarcastic.
Still, I feel a fraction better about leaving him. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Only Sandra and Dean are at their desks this early on the day after a holiday.
Sandra cuts her eyes at me as I pass her. “How was the rest of your weekend?”
I don’t like her tone. I don’t like the way her lips curl into a smile like she thinks she’s got something on me.
“I want to know when Marley arrives, and tell Taron we need to talk when he gets here.”
“Is something wrong?”
There’d better not be. “Just business.”
“Okay.” Her brow furrows, and I’m slightly relieved.