Page 17 of Secrets & Desires
“Roan, it’s purely from a business standpoint. We’ve made our reputation on no drama and no gossip, by being above board and transparent on everything. And while you’re a fantastic salesman, that’s not who we are.” He tried to lighten the mood. “It would be like Freddie Mercury joining…Coldplay.”
“Or the Allmanbrothers.”
“SigurRos.”
“Snoop Dogg joining the SpiceGirls.”
“You’re ScarySpice.”
“Amnot.”
Roan’s mouth hitched up at one side as he tried not to smile. “Don’t make me laugh, I’m mad atyouguys.”
“We’re just saying we’re toostaidfor you, buddy. Rather, thiscompanyis. Look, you want to talk about setting up a new company doing something entirely different, something that will suit you, and that we could invest in, goforit.”
Roan, mollified, sat back down. “You’d consider a newcompany?”
“Sure thing. Something where you’d be the lead and we would be silentpartners.”
Roan chewed on his lip, and Nox shot Sandor a meaningful look. Sandor nodded. “Look, I have to make some calls. How about I come back for you in twenty minutes and we’ll grab somelunch?”
“Surething.”
When they were alone, Nox looked at his friend. Roan seemed diminished somehow, stressed, not his usual ebullient self. “What is it, Roan? There’s something going on with you, something more than wanting a newcareer.”
Roan sighed and rubbed his face. “Don’t worryaboutit.”
“Idoworry about it.” Nox frowned. “Do you needmoney?”
Roan stayed silent. “You just have to ask,” Nox said in a quiet, calm voice. Roan shookhishead.
“Thank you, man, but I have to find my own way outofthis.”
“Surely Odelle’s family…” Nox trailed off as Roanlaughed.
“Man, if I could keep it my pants maybe she wouldn’t hate merightnow.”
“Fuck,Roan.”
“That’s what I do. Maybe I should start a male escortbusiness.”
Nox ignored that remark. “Odelleknows?”
“Yup.”
“Who?”
Roan hesitated before looking at his friend. “Amber.”
Nox rocked back. “You’rekidding?”
“Nope.”
“Jesus, Roan, don’t you know nottosh—”
“Shit where you sleep? Yup. I’m that much of anidiot.”
“Jeez.”
