Don’t Let Go

20. Aurora

20

Aurora

After the game, Paolo and his teammates wanted to grab pizza to celebrate their win. It was a melancholy win, since Thomas got injured during the game, and no one knew if he could play again.

I forgot to bring an extra pair of clothes to change into after the game, and I refused to stay in my nerdy band uniform. Luckily, Chloe always had extra clothes in her locker, letting me borrow a top and skirt. The negative side was Chloe loved skirts extra short, so I spent the night pulling at the material for a millimeter more coverage.

Paolo loved the tight denim skirt. He talked to his teammates about plays between bites of pizza while his left hand explored my inner right thigh.

As he crept his way to places no one should touch in public, I slammed my legs closed, trapping his hand.

He dropped the crust he was chewing on and gave me a sinister smile. I squeezed my legs together, wishing I was strong enough to break his bones. A fake, playful smile curled my lips as I released him. He grabbed a chunk of my thigh and winked. It was a wonder I didn't always have bruises on my legs.

“What are we going to do if they bench Thomas?” James asked, grabbing the last piece of cheese pizza.

Paolo flared his nostrils. “We’ll have to pick up the slack.”

I choked on my soda. Paolo glared at me as I pounded my chest. “Swallowed wrong,” I lied. In all honesty, without Thomas, we were screwed. I think everyone knew that except Paolo.

“I don’t think that will help, man,” Bryce said, running a hand along his chin as he drummed his freakishly long fingers on the table. Bryce was our fastest player. He was nicknamed Chocolate Lightning because of the honey brown of his skin and how quick he was on his feet. The only issue was there was no point in being fast if you had no one to pass the ball to. I might not know everything about basketball, but I at least learned the basics.

James stretched his arms over his head and twisted his torso in his chair to pop his back. “What if we got the new guy? Winston?”

My heart sank into my gut. I slid my eyes over to Paolo, his jaw was set, and his fists balled. He hated Tyler with a deep passion, and I didn’t understand why.

“No!” Paolo pounded his fist on the table, knocking over a couple of soda glasses. Bryce and James jumped to avoid liquid staining their pants.

“Chill out!” Bryce yelled, grabbing a bunch of brown napkins and mopping up the mess.

Paolo sank into the leather of the booth as if nothing happened. He had this cold, dead look in his eyes. He had perfected his godfather’s poker face. There was no doubt he could run the mafia one day if only he’d keep his temper in check.

“We are not adding a new member. He can’t help us,” Paolo said. His voice was harsh as he said each word as if they tasted like vinegar.

“Whatever. I’m getting another drink.” James grabbed his glass and walked over to the soda machine.

Bryce shook his head, and he grabbed his empty glass. “We need to do something,” he said bitterly before going to the soda machine as well.

Christian pushed away his plate. “I’m going to order a plate of hot wings. I feel like it’s going to be a long night.”

I stared at my glass, watching the dew drip onto the table.

The TVs were on in the corners of the pizzeria. They all played sports like basketball, golf, and race cars. I didn’t pay them much attention, not until one switched to the news and the face of Senator Winston came on.

He was all over the place when he first died: social media, TV, and a few digital billboards around the state. Chloe told me there was a memorial for him on one of the screens at the movie theater. It would’ve been strange to lose a parent and constantly be reminded of that loss everywhere you went. I didn’t know how Tyler did it.

Paolo entrapped a strand of my hair around his fingers and coiled it tightly, pulling me closer to him. He smiled as he nodded toward the TV I was looking at. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if all the Winstons died?”

I pushed him away. The strand of hair fell from his grasp, curling around the side of my face. “What did you say?” I whispered in horror. He had to be kidding. A sick joke he thought was hilarious.

“You know, you cover up murders for fuck’s sake.” He rolled his shoulders back and snaked his arm over the top of the booth above my shoulders, attempting to catch me in his web yet again.

Angry tears pricked my eyes. I scooted away from him, sitting on the edge of the bench. “What did you mean? What are you planning to do to Tyler?”

He shrugged, eyeing the TV again. It was now on a car insurance commercial.

“Let’s say the world would be a better place with another Winston gone. I didn’t like him at the game. He has his eye on you.” Paolo grabbed my wrist, twisting it slightly. “And you’re mine.”

I bent my elbow a little and jerked my arm away. “I’m not your property. There’s nothing wrong with Tyler going to a game. He’s cool. Leave him alone.”

Paolo lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t like him crashing at your place. He could get ideas.”

I stood, putting my hands on my hips. “I’ve heard enough. I need to meet up with Chloe anyway. I’m already late.” That was a lie, but she would vouch for me in a heartbeat.

Paolo draped his arms over the booth and gave me the coldest stare that sent a chill down my spine. “Fine. Go.” He waved me off as if I was an annoying fly. “Just remember, both his parents are gone. Wouldn’t it be nice if he had a family reunion?” He made a slicing motion across his throat like he did at the mob meeting.

Could Paolo possibly be behind one or both deaths of Tyler’s parents? What did he know that I didn’t?

I gulped and turned toward the door so Paolo wouldn’t see the fear devouring me. My soul felt like it was shaking deep within my body.

With my phone in hand, I texted Chloe, telling her to pick me up immediately from the corner store a few blocks away. She replied, saying she was on her way.

I had this gnawing feeling in my gut something terrible was about to happen. I needed to figure out my shit before the house of cards that was my life came crashing down.