“It’s a good look for you.”
I wonder if I should wipe the drool from his mouth.
“I’m Ryan,” I interject.
“Nice to meet you.” Ashley puts her hand out. I smile brightly at her, and she smiles back.
“You have pretty eyes,” I compliment, and she blushes while we shake.
“So, do you.”
Mac shoots me a stare of death.Mmm hmm, just as I thought. He’s into her, big time. I don’t blame him; she’s a cutie.
“Ryan just got released from prison.” Mac tosses that little tidbit into the conversation, and I scowl at him. He justhadto go there.
“Oh.” Ashley pulls her hand back awkwardly. Nice going, jerkoff.
“Nothing violent. Just stupid,” he adds.
Can’t disagree with him there.
“Well, it’s nice to meet a friend of Mac’s.” She bags up our stuff. I can’t tell if I make her uncomfortable or not.
“Same here.” I try to be nice. I haven’t been out of prison one day, and I’m already reminded — by my best friend of all people — that my life is fucked.
We walk one block to Mac’s apartment, and my new home for the time being. It’s basically a glorified closet with a tiny bedroom and one bathroom. But it does have hardwood floors and a decent-sized kitchen.
Mac proceeds to crack open the bottle of Tanqueray and make me a drink. Gin and orange juice. You can’t get more street than that. Perfect for where I just came from.
He makes his own Ketel and OJ, and we settle on the small couch in the “living room”. He does have a sweet flat screen, I’ll give him that.
“To getting you laid.” He clinks my glass.
I roll my eyes. “To showering alone.”
“That’s a good one too. Unless it’s with a smoking hot chick. Then I advise you not to pass.”
I chuckle. But I don’t think I’ll be sharing a shower with anyone anytime soon.
“Do you want ice for your hand?”
“No.” I place my glass over my knuckles. “Got it covered.”
“Prison made you jacked and resourceful.”
“I guess.” I snort.
“Well, I’m glad you’re out and here with me. Time to look forward and not back. Unless Alana is behind you.”
He takes a big swig, and my insides pulsate with pain.
I am going to get so fucking shit-faced tonight.