Page 44 of Unstable

“Hen,” Keaton drags me out of my own head. “Lost ya again. You sure you want to do this? It was a long time ago, and you have more important things to think about now. Like me, for instance.”

Old Henley—here she comes. I scrunch up my face, and jut my chin—and Keaton grins wildly, because it’s a look he recognizes well, the one I’ve been giving him since I was eight.

Commence confrontation.

“Listen here, Mister. Every time I ask you something, you counter me with the same line— “are you sure you want to hear this?” Quit. I’m growing stronger every day, faster than I thought possible really. So if I ask you a question, then yes, I’m ready to hear the answer.”

“There you are.” His soft smile grows as he speaks in a silky, impressed whisper. “My favorite Henny face. So fucking proud of you.” He leans in, cupping my cheek, and…kisses my forehead!

I jolt in shock, but he simply laughs. “Oh, stop. You liked it. And get used to it, your skin, my lips. That’s just a warm up.”

“You—”

“Wear you out, I know. I’m the only man for the job, too. Born to do it, with pleasure. Now, you wanna hear why I beat pudfuck’s ass or not?”

We’ve gone off track so many times, I’d almost forgotten I asked.

“Yes.”

“Okay, but remember, you bolt, I’m gonna chase ya. You hide, I’m gonna find ya. We’re in this together. You come to me to work through it. To talk, scream, or cry it out. Me, Hen. I’m here for you and I’m not going a God damn place, and no one is taking my place.”