“Funny meeting you here.” She waits for Colt to respond, but he is more interested in the leftover fries than her. “So, did you hear Bradley went on a weekend trip and never came back?” Another moment of awkward silence. If she was anyone else I would feel bad for her.

“Do you mind if we sit with you?” Deborah asks Colt as if I’m not even here at all.

Colt ignores Deborah like she does me and directs all of his attention to the guy next to her. “You know what’s funny, Jeremy? I was just telling Leni if someone looks at her too long, I’ll fuck her in front of him, then cut his eyes out and shove them up his ass.”

“Down his throat, actually. That’s what you said earlier,” I correct him with a grin.

“You heard her. Down your throat.”

Jeremy turns ghostly pale, takes a few steps back, and casts his eyes to the floor.

Deborah giggles nervously. “Well, can I sit with you?”

Now Colt does look at her. “Deborah, I don’t understand how you are this stupid and not realize when people don’t like you. No, you can’t sit with us. Not now, not ever. You are nothing but a stuck-up bitch, latching on to every guy who gives you a sliver of attention. So do us all a favor and get lost before I throw up the burger and ruin this date.”

I’ve never liked Deborah, but I can’t help feeling sorry for her. She turns her head away like she is about to start crying and doesn’t want anyone to see. “Let’s go, Jeremy.” She takes him by the hand and pulls him out of the restaurant.

I should be happy that Colt stood up for me, that he sent them off while also making it clear we’re dating. I should be giddy that Deborah got some of her own medicine, but instead, I’m reminded of how Colt can be.

The past few weeks have been so nice. He has been kind to me, even loving, and so attentive. I almost forgot this side of Colt. Just like his dad, he has two versions of himself, and though I’m glad I’m on his “good side” now, knowing that he could change his mind about me any day has my stomach in knots.

Dread pools in my stomach. My mind is so hazy with fear I barely notice the server coming to clear our plates and bring us the check. Colt throws a few twenty-dollar bills on the table.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

He slides out of his seat and comes to stand beside me. “Let’s go home. You look a little pale—”

“What if you change your mind again?” Still sitting in my spot, I look up at him, waiting on his answer.