Page 28 of Forever Wild
He plugs his phone in and pulls up directions without my asking and then stares out the window as I drive back.
I’m tired and about to ask if we can pull over for coffee when his phone rings over the speakers. I glance at the screen out of habit, then smile when I see James’ name.
Jack’s agent is a fun time. Basically the opposite of Jack in all ways, but I’ve seen him in business mode and he protects Jack like, well, it’s his job.
Jack sighs as he reaches over and hits the screen to accept the call.
“Hey,” he says by way of greeting.
“Oh good. You answered this time.”
I snort quietly and steal a glance at the man sitting in the passenger seat.
“I was dealing with my dad.”
“Oh.” James’ tone changes. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. I’m headed home now. What’s up?”
“You aren’t driving, are you?”
“No.” Jack looks over at me. “Everly drove me.”
“Hi, James!” I chirp.
“Hey,” he replies brightly. “How are you?”
“I’m good.”
He slips back into business mode. “Jack, the director of the children’s hospital called again this morning. I cancelled everything else through June, but I wasn’t sure what you wanted to do about that one. They have you on the schedule but weren’t sure if they should expect you.”
“When is it?”
“Today. They’re expecting you in two hours.”
Jack is quiet like he’s mulling it over, and James adds, “If you want me to send over some signed jerseys and let them know you’re still on the mend and we’ll reschedule at a later date, just say the word.”
“Fuck,” he mutters so quietly that I doubt James hears him. Jack rubs two fingers back and forth across his forehead. His mouth opens, lips curling and jaw moving side to side before he answers. “Yeah. Tell her I’m sorry and –”
“He’ll be there,” I blurt out.
Both men go quiet, then Jack says, “One sec, James.”
He hits the mute button and lifts one brow.
“I’m sorry, but children in the hospital do not want a signed jersey. They wantyou.”
“I can’t even drive.”
“I’ll take you.”
“Ev.” His head tilts to the side and his expression is pained. I don’t know if it’s because he doesn’t want to go or if he doesn’t want me to go with him.
“Listen. I know that you are going through a lot right now, but friend to friend, I think getting out could be good for you.”
“We’re friends now?” He cocks a brow.
“Depends on the day,” I say teasing him.
