Page 58 of Just Forever

“Kid, I can’t tell you how good it’s been catching up,” Scott finally says.

Did we catch up? I’m leaning toward no.

“Yeah,” I say. “Great.”

My tone might not be the most enthusiastic thing out there, but it’ll have to do.

“Listen, kid, I’m in town next week. I was thinking you and I could sit down and have lunch together.”

The perplexed “Why?” escapes my mouth before I can really think and tone it down into something more polite. It doesn’t escape me that this whole time, he’s only addressed me as “kid.” It seems impossible, but… does Scott not remember my name after all this time?

“We’re family, aren’t we?”

I suppose. Only, I was under the impression we were the kind that doesn’t talk.

Scott sighs, and there’s a long pause, and when he starts to speak, his tone is unusually serious.

“I understand the hesitancy. Hell, you’re most likely still wondering why I even called. See, I have a few regrets in my life, you being one of the main ones. And if you could find it in your heart to give me a chance to explain… well, I’d really like that.”

“A chance to explain what?” I get up and head to the window, where I stare outside without taking anything in.

He laughs again. “I don’t think either of us gets anything out of playing dumb, but I hear you. You’re not one for bullshit. I get it. Cards on the table, kid. We both know who we are to each other. Now, I know I haven’t been much of a father to you, but all I’m asking for is a chance to talk to you.”

This sounds about as fun as a root canal. And hey, I don’t have to volunteer for this crap.

“I don’t know if—” I start to say.

“I have an opening in my schedule next Thursday.”

“I have class.”

There’s a brief pause. “Dinner it is.”

“I don’t?—”

“I’ll have my assistant book a table and send you the details.”

For fuck’s sake!

“Scott.”

“It’s a deal.”

He fucking hangs up on me.

I stare at the phone in disbelief. What the hell? I’m honestly not sure whether I’m more flabbergasted or just angry. Seriously. What the fuck was that? Because that was not what I was signing up for. Not even a little bit.

I’m still glaring at the phone, so when it starts to ring I jerk so hard it goes flying out of my hand, lands on the floor, and slides under the couch. It takes me forever to fish it out of there and once I’m done, I flop down on the floor.

“Yeah,” I say.

“Why do you sound out of breath?” Ryk’s voice is full of laughter.

“Would you believe me if I said I was exercising?”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Voluntarily?”

“Okay, fine. You caught me. I’m out of breath because I’m coming off a long, vigorous lovemaking session with my lover.” I raise my voice a bit. “Thanks, Jorge! That thing you did with your tongue was excellent. Same time next week?”

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