First message
Damn. This is a mistake. I know it the second we pull in to this mostly empty Texaco. Too late now. I step out anyway. Theo just watches me like I’m about to puke or embarrass him. Probably both. I’ve never done this before—but if I don’t come back with enough to cover what was robbed from me last week, I’m finished.
My pulse is everywhere—hands, ears, mouth. I glance down. The Kimber’s tucked where it’s supposed to be. Right. Ok.
I push into the gas station, door swinging wide. Some guy at the counter freezes, takes one look, and decides he’s not that committed to cigs. He slips out past me. Smart.
I step up to the counter—that’s when I see her. Jesus. She’s gorgeous—dangerously so. The kind that makes your brain completely stall out.
Focus.
I square my shoulders, stare her down like I’ve seen guys do. She just looks back, unimpressed, like I’m cutting the line.
Right. Gun. Robbery. Words.
Lemme see hands, I try not to stutter—I do anyways.
She doesn’t move. Cool hair, she giggles, smiling.
The hell? Did she just—
Hey. I’m serious! Register. Now.
Nothing. No panic—just pretty eyes on me. I glance down. The Kimber’s there. I could—
Nah.
I turn and walk. Then faster. Outside, air hits me like I just surfaced.
You should go back and ask for her number, my brain implores.
I shake my head. Yeah. Mid-robbery. Perfect timing.
Theo’s gone. Of course. I try to run, only to trip facefirst into the curb.
This is officially the worst day of my life.