Page 32 of Madden

I give him a look. "I've got someone with me." Turning the phone to the side, I let him see Mick. "Watch your mouth."

"Sorry." He moves to zip his lips. "I had no idea. What's going on?"

"We're picking up some dinner from Winnie's. I'll explain it to you later." I raise my eyebrows to let him know now isn't the time to get into this.

He takes the hint. Nodding almost imperceptibly. "Anyway, I called to let you know how my test went."

It takes me a minute to remember that he had a test counting for half his grade this week. "Oh yeah, tell me you aced it."

"Got a B," he tsks. "Missed an A by three questions. Kind of pissed about it, but I'll take what I can get. It wasn't easy. It's the last class I need, you know, so I've been applying for jobs."

This makes me nervous. I know Beckett has big dreams, and I'm scared to death he's going to move halfway across the country. "How's that going for you?" I try to hold back my feelings, and fears.

"Good, I got a job offer today." He grins, eyes flashing with excitement. "That's one reason I called you."

Just as I'm about to ask him, it's our turn to order. "Hold that one sec. I have to order."

"Hey, Officer Williamson," the kid at the window gives me a grin.

"Hey, how's your jump shot?" When I have free time, I like to pick up basketball games in the neighborhood. It's been a while, but I've played with him a few times. I just don't remember his name.

"Getting better. Hope to see you out on the court soon."

"We'll see." I give him a wink.

"What can I get for y'all?"

I glance over at the menu, trying to figure out how much food we'll need, and just taking a shot in the dark. "Give me twenty fingers dipped in the cajun hot sauce, and then ten dipped in the wimpy?" I look over at Mick. He nods his okay. "A basket of fries, and plenty of ranch to dip."

"Coming right up."

"Damn you, Madden. My stomach is growling, and I would kill for some of that fucking chicken."

"Language." I say between gritted teeth.

"Sorry. Anyway, I got a job offer, remember? The reason I called you."

"Yes, please tell me about all of it." I roll my eyes playfully, looking over at Mick. He grins, giving me a small laugh.

Beckett smiles widely. "I'm coming to you, bro. Today I got offered a job in the Emergency Management department for Laurel Springs. I'll be taking over for one of their retiring members."

"What?" I ask, surprised as fuck. "I can't believe this. I knew they were looking for someone, but I didn't even think you'd apply for it. This is so exciting.."

"Me too. I've missed you, and I want to see this life you've built for yourself."

"I can't wait to introduce you to it, and my friends. I'm proud of you, Beckett. When will you be here?" I'm already trying to figure out if I can put him in my house, or if we'll need to look for a different place for him.

"Sixty days, give or take. We have time, and I don't expect you to take care of everything for me."

I know all of this. "I want to help you. It's one of the things in life that gives me joy. I think you realize that."

"I do, and I love you. I'll let you go. Nice to meet you, Mick." He waves to my passenger.

"Love you, bro."

"Love you too."

As I disconnect the call, our food arrives. I reach over onto the dashboard to grab my wallet.

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