Page 13 of Jacob

“Good for you. Where to?” Lincoln teases.

“I’ll decide in the morning,” he replies.

“Well, be sure to tell us where you are going, so we know you’re not dead in a ditch or drinking yourself into a coma somewhere.”

“I’m not telling you where I’m going. That’s the whole point of running away,” he moans.

I push to my feet. “Run away tomorrow, but for now, buddy, you are going to sleep the booze off in my spare room. C’mon.”

Lincoln and I take an arm each, and slowly drag an uncooperative Owen to the spare room.

“Shit, you weigh a ton,” Lincoln complains as he struggles to keep him upright.

“Been working out. Nothing else to do.” He belches and I have to turn my head to avoid the alcohol fumes.

We lay Owen down on the bed and as we’re walking away, Lincoln asks, “Do you reckon what he’s saying is true?”

“Fucked if I know. I’ll ask when he’s sobered up.”

“Do you think he’ll really run away?” Lincoln looks concerned as he glances back to where Owen lies unconscious and snoring, then walks to my front door.

“Not a fucking chance. That boy has it too comfortable here. He’s talking shit.”

Lincoln nods as if satisfied with my reassurance, then stuffs his hands in his pockets. “How’s work been? I haven’t seen you for a few weeks,” Lincoln enquires.

“Fine. Same old same old,” I lie.

“Do you want to hit the nightclub on Saturday night?”

“Can’t. I’m off to London with Skye on business.”

“Skye, huh?”

I clear my throat, ignoring his implication.

It’s not the first time Lincoln has questioned me about my feelings for Skye. I tried to deny it, but he was so persistent, I eventually gave in and admitted how I felt. Well, I admitted I felt something, but I didn’t mention the fact that I’m completely in love with her and have been since I was sixteen.

“She’s not with Owen anymore. So…?” His mouth pulls to the side in a boyish smirk.

“Bro code,” I remind him.

“We are thirty years old now. We made that pact when we were virgins, for Christ’s sake. I’m certain if you spoke to him, he?—”

“It’s a no-go.”

Lincoln waves his hand dismissively as he steps out of my house and walks toward his black Porsche. “Keep telling yourself that. But if you want any chance with her, then now is the time. You missed your shot the last time, Jay. You’ve waited long enough.”

“Shut up, Linc,” I hiss, hoping Owen is too out of it to hear this conversation.

He spins around, holding his hands up in mock surrender, walking backward as he laughs at my icy stare. “Okay. I won’t mention it again. But you know the danger you’re putting yourself in… being alone with her, in a hotel. I mean, you’re asking for trouble. Make sure you call me if you’re feeling tempted. Although you know what I think?—”

“I told you, it’s never going to happen. She’s his fucking high-school sweetheart.”

“You know that’s bullshit. There is no love lost between those two. He went with other girls every time they split up.”

“Bro code.” I sound like a broken record.

“Speak to him.”

---