Page 25 of Tobias

“Not you too,” I mutter.

“It’s catchy,” he says defensively. “What can I get you?”

“Whiskey.”

He brings it a moment later then walks off with my card to swipe in the machine before handing it off to me.

“You haven’t been here in a couple weeks,” he says.

Not since I was here with Theo. Honestly, not sure why I’m back today. Maybe because Thanksgiving is coming up, and I decided to go to my mother’s even though I don’t want to, and I need a way to cope with that. Going there is always hell and I don't know why I haven't cut ties yet.

“Yeah,” I say as more of a question because it’s a weird statement.

“So, you haven’t heard the news.”

“News?”

The music cuts off. “Okay, that one wassogood!” Luca says, clapping excitedly. “Let’s try a different one.”

“Like what?” Nathanial asks, staring at his nails. “I don’t know many dances. I’m better at singing.”

“That’s why we’re practicing,” Luca responds with so much sass it makes me laugh.

“Can I get a drink first?” Mario asks, but he’s already at the bar.

Pete makes him a drink and slides it over. Luca and Jacob are swiping through the cell phone, sharing quiet conversation. Plotting something, no doubt.

“So, news?” I say when Pete returns.

“Big Joe sold the bar.”

“Wait, what?” I pause with the drink halfway to my mouth.

This bar isn’t a super special place to me, but it’s special enough. It’s a place I hang out with friends and can be myself. One of the only bars I can do that in. I’m comfortable here, as are many others.

“Don’t worry,” Pete says with a wave of his hand. “The new owner is cool as shit. Met him the other day. His name is Emmet Durant. He’s moving here from California. Guess he ran a bar out there for years.”

“Why did he stop running it?” I ask, feeling defensive over this place.

Everyone who comes here often knows all about Big Joe. The guy was cool as shit, but his health hasn’t been great lately and we hardly see him anymore. Back in the day, he was closing down the place with us. It was only a matter of time before he sold it, but I thought Pete would buy it or something. Not some stranger from fucking California.

“His father owned it and ended up selling it to help pay for treatment costs for the mother.”

“Damn,” I say. “That’s fucking sad.”

“Guess his mom died and his father moved to Florida. Apparently it all happened so fast. He seems kind of lost, but they’re good people. Fostered a ton of kids. Emmet is cool. I don’t think he’s going to fuck the place up.”

“That’s good.”

“Hey, Tobias!” I look over at the group of guys. Jacob is smirking, while Kingston and Beau are behind him with grins. Jasper is lurking far in the back, outside of the video, shaking his head. “Come be in this video with us.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “No fucking way.” He pouts. “Not going to help!” I say, taking a mouthful of whiskey.

“It’s for Foxy!” he sing-songs.

“Yeah, come on, Tobias,” Kingston adds. “It’s for our boss.”

I purse my lips, watching him carefully. I can’t believe I’m about to do this.

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