Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 26

Cindy flashed her an “okay” sign.

Meanwhile, Mateo was sharing drinks with Travis. Travis‘ usual good looks were overshadowed by a stormy mood he just couldn’t shake.

Mateo smirked. “No way. Are you actually this upset about it?”

Travis stayed silent.

Mateo didn’t get it. This was the second night Travis had been drinking himself into a funk. Clearly, Amanda’s change in attitude was eating him up inside. Did he actually care about her? If that was the case, why had he always treated her so coldly before? From where Mateo stood, it had always looked one–sided–Amanda chasing after Travis, and Travis barely noticing. But now, Travis‘ whole vibe had shifted.

Just then, Mateo’s phone buzzed. It was his sister, Cindy. He picked up and put her on speaker.

“Cindy.”

“Hey, um… I went out to a bar, and now I’m at the police station. Can you come get me?”

Mateo couldn’t help but laugh. “Busted in a club raid?”

Cindy sounded mortified. “Mateo!”

He softened, “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. I’m on my way.”

“Thanks. Oh, and Amanda’s here with me. Can you find someone to pick her up too?”

Mateo paused, glancing instinctively at Travis. Travis was staring right at him, his eyes icy and intense enough to give Mateo goosebumps.

“I don’t think I can help with that,” Mateo replied quickly. “I’m not her friend or anything, and with everyone watching me these days, I’d rather not get involved.”

“Mateo-”

Amanda’s voice came through, gentle but firm. “It’s okay, I’ll call someone else.”

She wasn’t going to make a big deal about it. Mateo didn’t owe her anything. She could have called someone herself, but it felt awkward to ask for help in the middle of the night. She’d figured if Mateo was already coming, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

Before Mateo could even end the call, Amanda was already dialing someone else.

“Hey, Shane? It’s Amanda. I’m at the police station and could use a pickup. Are you free?”

Mateo hung up fast. He could feel Travis‘ glare drilling into him, the tension in the air so thick it was almost cold. Ever since Mateo said no to helping Amanda, Travis had been on edge.

And Amanda hadn’t even glanced Travis‘ way. She just went straight to calling this Shane.

Unreal. She was walking all over Travis‘ last nerve.

Suddenly, Travis shot to his feet. “Let’s go.”

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