Page 107 of Side Trip

Yes, he does.

He picks up his phone and downloads the Facebook app. Once he’s logged in and reactivates his profile, he immediately brings up Joy’s profile. She hasn’t actively posted lately, either that or she’s set everything to private, which means he can’t see a single post. They aren’t Facebook friends. But there’s one thing he can see. Her relationship status.

“It’s complicated,” he murmurs, then looks up and out to the horizon.

His heart races. His blood pounds in his ears. The breeze ruffles his hair.

Are she and Mark having trouble? Did Mark cheat on her? Are they getting a divorce? What’s going on between them?

What doesit’s complicatedeven mean?

One thing, as far as Dylan’s concerned. Joy’s life isn’t going as she planned.

He pockets his phone and goes in search of the bride and groom. He has the sudden urge to return to New York. If there’s one thing he learned from Jack, it’s not to wait until you’re dead to let someone know how you feel.

“Hey, man, what’s up?” Chase asks when Dylan can pull him away from his guests.

“Are any of the studios available in the morning?”

“No, they’re booked solid all day. We’ve got Catharsis coming back in and an indie band we recently signed.”

Dylan runs a hand through his hair. “I’ll go in tonight then.”

Chase’s eyes flash at the promise of a new project. The guy is always eager. “What are you working on?”

“Something I should have done a long time ago.”

Chase’s brows pull tight and he watches Dylan curiously. “I’m wondering if you should leave now before you change your mind.”

Dylan smirks. “That’s probably not a bad idea. Do you mind?”

“No, I’ll walk you out.”

Dylan extends another congrats to Dakota and says goodbye to his industry peeps and Uncle Cal.

“I have the strange sense this has to do with Joy,” Chase muses as he waits with Dylan for his Uber.

“I’m going to find her when I get to New York.”

Chase whistles. “’Bout damn time. When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow evening, unless I can get an earlier flight.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Same.” His heart has been racing erratically ever since he made up his mind to reach out to her. He pulls up an app and Venmos Chase a grand.

Chase’s phone pings. His cousin looks at the screen. “What’s this for?”

“You won the bet. You and Dakota lasted. Make sure it lasts forever.”

“No worries there. I intend to keep her just as long.”

“Congrats. Enjoy your honeymoon. Your wife’s amazing.”

“Yes, she is.” Chase hugs him and fist pounds his back as Dylan’s Uber pulls into the parking lot. “Have a safe flight,” he says when Dylan opens the rear passenger door.

Dylan gives Chase a fist bump and a big grin. “Will do.”

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