Blow (TKO 3)

Excuse me? He fell asleep on the couch Ruston and nothing happened.

You’re a terrible liar. I just hope you’re happy.

I retort.

I’m not, but is that what you want to hear?

I know my cousin and I know you. You don’t have to lie to me.

You said you were done with me, what do you want?

I really want to know.

I want nothing from you. While you were fucking him, I got my dick sucked so maybe we’re even.

You’re a fucking asshole.

You made me this way.

I throw my phone down and scream in the quietness of my apartment. Why is he doing this to me? I don’t care what the hell he does in his spare time but this jealousy has just gotten worse than it was in the beginning. Maybe I should have just screwed the hell out of Austin. Maybe that would have made this a little bit more bearable, because then Ruston would have assumed the truth.

Chapter 18

Austin

I pull up at Lou’s and stare at the spot where Ruston’s truck should be. I figured he would have texted me last night or this morning when I didn’t come home, but I haven’t heard from him. I’m beginning to feel a little awkward, but I’m sure he’s just busy. I shrug it off and grab the envelope of pictures off my seat. I can’t wait to show these to Lance and Howard. Tamilyn caught some amazing shots. I still can’t believe how fucking awesome they turned out. Howard may want to bring her around the fights from now on.

Inside, I wave Lance toward me as I make a beeline for the office. Howard is sitting in his chair sorting through some papers laid out on the desk. He sets his work down when he sees Lance. “What’s going on?”

“Well, remember I told you how Tamilyn took some photos of Lance’s last fight? She got some prints and gave them to me last night. These are pretty fucking epic.”

I hand over the envelope to Howard, and Lance darts over to his side like a little kid. “Open them faster, I want to see!”

Howard stops and glances at him. “Maybe we should look at these later.”

Lance pouts, and Howard’s laughter bellows throughout the small office. “I’m kidding. I want to see these just as bad as you do.” Howard pulls the prints out and his eyes widen. “Holy hell, Lance, look at these.”

I watch with pure satisfaction as they hover over the pictures, oohing and ahhing at each one. “I’m completely photogenic. I’m the damn beauty queen of Lou’s. Howard, you better frame at least some of these.”

“I damn well plan on it. Listen, Austin, the fight I asked you about yesterday, it’s at the end of the week, Friday to be exact. Do you think she would come and take some more pictures? I’ll double whatever she makes for a typical session if she’s in.”

“Let me text her real quick and make sure she doesn’t have plans. I am almost one hundred percent positive that she’ll do it.”

I tap her name and type as fast as I can. I’m beyond excited for this.

Hey, they love the photos. So much that Howard wants to know if you’ll take pictures at the fights this Friday. He’ll pay you double what you charge.

She replies almost immediately. I’m glad because I am anxious to hear her response.

Of course I’ll take them and he doesn’t have to pay me anything, I promise.

You’re the best.

I look up at Howard, grinning ear to ear. “She said she’ll take them free of charge.”

“I can’t wait for Friday now.” Lance grins. “I fight again, so she’ll get some more good shots.”

“Make sure you wear your lipstick and eyeliner,” Howard jokes. “Austin, tell her thanks again for this. Now, you two get out there and practice. We’ve got some fights coming up.”