Page 132 of Last Call

“It’s notmyplace.”

It wasn’t. Fallon had come to realize that while she might pay the utilities, vendors, and salaries, Murphy’s Law didn’t belong toher.At least it didn’t belong only to her.

“Just because Charlie and I agreed to invest in the expansion, doesn’t…”

“It’s not about that,” Fallon said. “This place belongs to everyone, Carol.”

“So, leave it as it is. We can make it work.”

“Probably. But we can also make it something more,” Fallon said.

“You know, we can still hold the Cigar Club.”

“I think our cigar-smoking, whiskey-drinking days are over for the foreseeable future.”

“Maybe,” Carol said. “Not forever.”

Fallon nodded and pulled herself from the booth. “Make the changes,” she said. “Just don’t touch the jukebox.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

A loud wail beckoned Andi’s attention.

“Man, that kid has a set of lungs,” Billie joked.

“You should have heard Jacob when he was a baby.”

“Loud, huh?”

“And persistent.”

“I’ll get him,” Billie said.

“Are you sure?”

“Yep. Maybe you should give Fallon a call.”

“I’m sure Fallon is fine.”

“Call her, Andi. Riley will thank you.”

Andi giggled. That was probably true. She lifted her phone.

“Making sure I don’t freak out?” Fallon answered the call.

“No. Just checking in.”

“It’s okay. I’m freaking out. A little. Did Riley call you?”

“No.”

“I’m okay. It’s a little—clinical.”

“So, make it unclinical when you get home.”

“Is that even a word?” Fallon asked.

“Probably not. It sounded good,” Andi replied.

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