Since I was in the field gathering evidence most of the afternoon, I decided to duck out of work a little early and pay off the rest of my debts. It had officially been a week since I used. The techniques Toby had taught me were enough to distract my cravings as long as I was far away from Dominic's, but after shamefully repaying my old job, Andy and my poker buddies were the only people left on my list.
I was ready to get out of my financial hole, but I wasn't ready to be so close to drugs again, so I decided to stall by going home to change out of work clothes. It was a hot Monday in late-July... if I had to deal with junkie gangbangers, at least I wanted to be in comfortable clothes.
After changing, I sat in front of Vic's playstation shooting hookers and smoking cigarettes. The behaviors I do when I'm getting frustrated, according to what I'd learned over the weekend. But supposedly video games aren't the solution to my problems... at least that's what Toby said. He was probably right.
I sighed and turned my game off, glancing at the time.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. That's what we're here for.
It wasn't my style to look for handouts, but Gabe had already warned me of what would happen if I didn't pay off the remainder of my debts tonight. He was pissed enough that I'd waited this long... apparently I was lucky that he didn't already beat my ass. So maybe I'd have to take Toby up on his offer to help me. It was better than potentially buying more coke. I didn't want to know what would happen if I relapsed.
Toby was busy though. Of course. A reminder of why I couldn't depend on him. But I'm with Izaak and he can take you. he wrote back.
Ugh. Even though we'd had a good enough time at basketball yesterday, I wasn't totally convinced that our friendship would work out. And Izaak had basically dragged me away from Dominic's last time, causing beef with Andy and company.
It's okay, I wrote back. I can handle it.
He immediately wrote back: Go with Izaak. It's not a question.
My eyes rolled and I punched in, fine. Straight attitude. Gabe would've made a comment or threat, but Toby just ignored it.
Twenty minutes later, Izaak pulled up. I stepped out my cigarette and climbed into the passenger's seat of the suburban.
"You need to quit that nasty habit," he scolded.
"Fuck off. I don't need a third person tryin' to boss me around."
I slammed the door as he checked his phone, brow slightly furrowed when he tossed it back in its spot. "You're welcome for accompanying you to pay off your debt."
"Bro, I told Toby I got this on my own."
He shook his head, face still serious, pulling out of his street parking spot. "You're in denial. One step in that bar, you would be right where I found you last weekend."
My arms folded in a huff. "Whatever."
There was a tense silence for a minute as he weaved between cars. "How's Chloe doing at work?"
"You're askin' me? She's fine. Gabe doesn't yell at her as much as he does me, so... that's a good sign."
**idk i could prob do something foreshadowy here**
As expected, Andy stood at the bottom of the stairs, puffing on a cigarette and shooting the shit with his buddies. I sighed, a little nervous at the tingling in my nose.
"Do you want me to go in with you?"
"No," I said, glancing at him. "Just stay close, in case anyone pulls some shit..."
He nodded. "You have fifteen minutes. One second longer and I will come in to get you. And I don't care if I have to carry you out, do you understand?"
"I'm feisty, you'd have to bring something to tie me up or you wouldn't get too far."
"I have rope in the back."
A chill swept over my body as I imagined the scene. I licked my lips. Maybe my next "babysitting" experience could be with him?
"Stop stalling. Go. Fifteen minutes."
I grumbled and pushed the door open. Even though I have a love/hate relationship with being humiliated, I didn't want to take the chance of Sergeant Douche coming in because it would definitely cause a scene. So I was quick to pay everyone off and only gave a quick hug to Tiffany, promising to catch up soon. Then I strolled back downstairs to see the surprise on Izaak's face.
"With three minutes to spare."
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