Page 16 of Social Sinners

“Why would I hate you?”

“Because I lied to you. By omission, but still lied nonetheless.”

We’d just merged onto the 405 freeway, but I got off at the next exit and drove into the first parking lot we came upon. Putting the truck in park allowed me to give him my undivided attention. “Easton, look at me.”

“We’re gonna be late,” he said, still avoiding my gaze.

“I don’t give two flying fucks if we’re late, she’s working on our dime. Please don’t make me ask you again. I’m trying my best to not raise my voice.” I didn’t want to yell and freak him out anymore than he already was, but this shit was serious, and he needed to absorb that reality. Fuck, when he turned to face me, his eyes were brimmed with unshed tears, and now I felt about two inches tall.

“Babe,” I cupped his right cheek in my hand, wiping away the lone tear that escaped with the pad of my thumb, “do you have any idea how stupid I felt in there when all this came out? We’ve been together for over a year now. Not two weeks, not two months, but a whole fucking year and I had no idea what was going on inside your head. How do you think that made me feel, sitting in there feeling like I was under the microscope with your therapist for not knowing these things?”

“Like shit,” he mumbled.

“Yeah, like the big, dumb, brainless drummer that everyone who meets me assumes I am. This isn’t cool, Easton. I keep no secrets from you. You should’ve told me what was going on so I could help you.”

“No one can help me.”

“That’s not totally true. We can’t help you if you won’t help yourself and taking your mom’s pills is not the help you need. Look, we’ll figure this out together, but please don’t lie to me again.”

“I won’t, I promise. I’ll, I’ll...” he stuttered, “I’ll tell you what I saw that night then maybe you can help me with the mental exercises she keeps suggesting.”

I honestly didn’t know how well I’d handle receiving the details of Rob’s death, but if he needed me to listen, I would. Then I’ll find a way to deal with whatever shitstorm follows for me. I nodded in agreement and kissed him before getting back on the freeway. We had an appointment to meet the real estate agent to see the first house on the list for today. We wanted to stay in Woodway where I was currently living with Mickey, plus Joey and Stoli were there too. Easton and I spent most of our time with them, so staying in proximity to each other only made sense. Plus, the houses are in a gated community with around the clock security. The main problem in choosing this area was like the agent said, there were only three houses available for sale, so I hoped one of them felt like home to us.

We pulled up, spotting her car in the gravel lot out front but could hardly see the house due to the overgrowth covering it. “Looks like a jungle swallowed it,” I told him as we got out of the truck.

“That can be cleaned up, we need to make sure whichever one we choose at least has good bones. Cosmetics can be overlooked and easily remedied,” East reminded me, sounding like an HGTV host.

“Agreed,” I put my hand on the small of his back, guiding him up the steps to where our agent stood waiting. “Theresa, it’s good to see you,” I said as we each shook her hand. “Brett should be here soon… and there he is.” He pulled up right on time. We asked him to tour the homes with us since he’d be doing the home inspection and would be our contractor after the purchase was completed.

“Dude,” I said, bro-hugging him. He shook Easton’s hand before embracing Theresa.

I rubbed my hands together. “Alright, now that the gang’s all here, let’s get this show on the road.”

This house reminded me of a Tuscan villa, not that I’d ever been to Tuscany, but from what I’d seen in pictures and on T.V. it was a dead ringer. It was in desperate need of updating, but the ten-thousand square foot house and unfinished basement were priced to accommodate the needed upgrades. It was definitely one to consider. Its block construction would stand the test of time and weather any crazy storms the Pacific Northwest would cast its way.I hoped Brett knew an excellent landscaper, though.The back yard had a view of the sound that was freaking killerwell it would be when the overgrowth was revamped.

I found solace so many times at the beaches along the waterfront when I’d had enough of humans and wanted to be left alone. It was my Zen, my personal retreat. Whenever the news would report that the whales were in the harbor, I’d set off on countless ferry rides in search of them. No agenda in mind, just riding the water back and forth hidden beneath an oversized hat and dark glasses. I’d often thought of going on the harbor whale watching tours. But now that our notoriety was out of control, the only way I’d be able to do that would be to book the whole trip so only those I chose could be on it with me. But damn, seeing them travel in their pods was an incredible sight to witness.

“Diamond?” Easton called. “Babe, where’d you go?”

“Sorry, got lost in this view.” I gestured toward the clearing in front of us.

“If we made the back wall sliding glass like Joey and Stoli have and remove some of the pine trees and overgrowth you’d have a better view. We could recycle the pine to use in the fireplaces once it dried out,” Easton said, wrapping his arms around my waist. He knew this one was a shoo-in for me. I could already smell the delicious pine scent, filling the house while we chilled in front of the roaring blaze during the wet, Seattle winter months.

“I’m already sold on this one for the view alone.” I couldn’t take my eyes off it. “But I know we need to look at the other two first before making our final decision.”

“Come on,” he said, kissing me, “let’s go see the other ones before we make our offer.” Easton winked, knowing this was the one before walking off toward the house. Seeing the other two was more of a courtesy and to set our minds at ease.

Needless to say, we circled back to the first one after whizzing through the other two, walking it again with Theresa. Brett shook his head. “You do realize you picked the house that needed the most work, right?”

I had to laugh. “Of course I did, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. Right?”

“Diamond, you are truly unique, my friend.” He smiled and patted me on the back.

“You have no idea just how unique he is,” Easton added. “Okay Theresa, we’re ready to make an offer. Diamond, come here, boy,” he teased, patting his leg and calling me over like a dog.

I ran up, licked his face, and wagged my ass for him.

“Ugh,” Easton protested, wiping the slobber away with the back of his hand. “Remind me to never do that again.”

“Forgot who you were dealing with?” Brett laughed.

“Momentary lapse of judgment,” Easton answered. “Now, where do we sign?”

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