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I look at the screen It’s a number I don’t know

Normally, I wouldn’t answer an unknown number

Especially after the creepy hang-ups

I know I shouldn’t answer it

But I’rad school, so I really don’t have the luxury of sending any calls to voicemail

The thought of not getting into a grad progra I want to think about, so I pick up the phone, still not convinced it isn’t one of Trent’sto scare me

“Hello,” I answer, but I’h voice on the other side of the line, I stop walking

“Payton,” a gravelly voice says

“Yes—who is this?”

“It’s Brad”

It takes me a few seconds to realize who Brad is, but when I do, htly

He’s never called me before

Why isme?

“Is everything okay with Erin?” I reply, ht with dread

The air in s spills out with relief that it’s not a prank call, followed shortly by mo to hie

“She’s fine,” he grits out, and his tone is enough to tamp down my fear and replace it with annoyance

Typical

Thefroives me attitude

“Oh, okay, what can I do for you, Brad?” I’d rather do er for Deadbeat Brad

I also have a feeling I will not like whatever he says It’s not just that he’s rough around the edges

There’s so else about hier on it It’s not that he’s ever hit onparanoid

Not every man wants you, Payton

Still I don’t like him I remind myself it’s okay not to love everyone I meet

“Did you get our money?” he asks without a lick of shame