Page 13 of Hopeless
“If Cade asks, I need you to corroborate my story that you called me away from work because you needed help.”
“With what?”
“I didn’t say. You pick.”
“Okay, I’ll tell him I was missing Sloane and that you offered to come dance like a ballerina for me to make me feel better.”
“I would if you wanted me to,” I deadpan.
He laughs at that. “I know you would.”
“Let’s say your car battery died and you needed a jump.”
“I would never let my battery get old enough to die.”
So literal.
“Cade wouldn’t know that, though.”
He grunts his assent. “It’s like we’re teenagers all over again. Tricking Cade into thinking we’re totally above board.”
I chuckle. “The good old days.”
That one-liner strikes my friend silent for a beat too long. “There are still good days to come, Beau.”
“Of course, I know.” I sigh, wanting to end this call before it veers into territory I’m not ready for.
“Is there a reason we’re pulling one over on Cade? Planning on telling me where you’ll be if you aren’t dancing for me or giving my car a jump?”
“Thanks, man. Talk later.” I forge ahead quickly before hanging up.
And then I head straight for where the best part of my day always is.
The place that I’ve come to associate with both peace and purpose.
The stool at the end of Bailey Jansen’s bar.
4
Beau
Rhett:Thank you for coming to the wedding.
Beau:Of course. Where else would I have been?
Rhett:Great question. No one knows where you hang out anymore. Only that you disappear and talk to no one.
Beau:I talk to people.
Rhett:You can talk to me too. You know that, right?
Beau:Of course. I know that. Congratulations, the wedding was beautiful. I’m very happy for you and Summer.
Rhett:Thanks. Love you, Beau-Beau. You doing okay? Like really?
Beau:Yeah, I’m great.
“Have you ever had anal sex?”
