"One of the photographers I've worked with is having a birthday bash tonight.
I figured I'd pop in for a bit and see how it goes."
He rocked back on his heels as we waited for our tacos and blended virgin margaritas.
"You still planning on hanging with your boss's sister? You guys wanna come with?" "Sister-in-law," I corrected.
"And she's got concert tickets.
I'm her last hope, she said, but even if I wasn't, I think it'll be fun.
At least I hope so.
I've never heard of the band, so I'm just hoping they don't suck."
"Who is it?" "Six-Ninths.
Know 'em?" His eyes widened.
"Six-Ninths? Really? They're good.
You'll like them."
I grabbed our drinks off the counter and left the tray with our plates for him to carry.
"You've heard of them and Shawna's a big fan.
Where have I been?" "Under Cross and his hard place.
You taking him with you?" "Yes."
I hurried to grab a table as two businessmen stood to leave.
I didn't tell Cary about Gideon's assertion that I couldn't go without him.
I knew that wouldn't go over well with Cary, which made me wonder why I'd let it go as easily as I did.
Usually Cary and I agreed about stuff like that.
"Can't see Cross liking alt rock."
Cary sank fluidly into the chair across from me.
"Does he know how much you like it? Especially the musicians who play it?" I stuck my tongue out at him.
"I can't believe you brought that up.
Ancient history."
"So? Brett was hot.
Ever think about him?" "With shame."
I picked up one of the carne asada tacos.
"So I try not to."
"He was a decent guy," Cary said, before slurping up a hefty swallow of margarita-flavored slush.
"I'm not saying he wasn't.
He just wasn't good for me."
Just thinking about that time in my life made me want to squirm in embarrassment.
Brett Kline was hot and he had a voice that made me wet just hearing it, but he was also one of the prime examples of an unfortunate choice in my previously sordid love life.
"Moving on .
You talk to Trey lately?" Cary's smile faded.
"This morning."
I waited patiently.
Finally, he sighed.
"I miss him.
Miss talking to him.
He's so fucking smart, you know? Like you.
He's going to that party with me tonight."
"As friends? Or as a date?" "These are really good."
He chewed a bite of one of his tacos before replying.
"We're supposed to be going as friends, but you know I'll probably screw that up and fuck him.
I asked him to meet me there and to head home from there so we're not alone, but I can always bang him in the bathroom or a goddamn maintenance closet.
I have no willpower and he can't say no to me."
My heart hurt at his dejected tone.
"I know what that's like," I reminded him softly.
That'd been me once.
I'd been so desperate to feel connected with somebody.
"Why don't you .
you know .
take care of it beforehand.
Maybe that'll help."
A slow, mischievous smile spread across his handsome face.
"Can I get you to record that for my voice mail message?" I threw my wadded-up napkin at him.He caught it with a laugh.
"You can be such a prude sometimes.
I love it."
"I love you.
And I want you to be happy."
Lifting my hand to his lips, he kissed the back.
"I'm working on it, baby girl."
"I'm here if you need me, even if I'm not home."
"I know."
He squeezed my hand before releasing it.
"I'll be around a lot next week.
Gotta get ready for my dad's visit."
I bit into a taco and my feet did a little happy tap dance at how delicious it was.
"I wanted to ask you about Friday.
I've got to work, so if you're around, would you keep an eye on him? I'll stock up on the food he likes and leave him some city maps, but - " "No problem."
Cary winked at a pretty blonde as she walked by.
"He'll be in good hands."
"Want to see a show with us while he's in town?" "Eva honey, I'm always game to hang with you.
Just let me know where and when, and I'll keep things clear as much as possible."
"Oh!" I quickly chewed and swallowed.
"Mom told me she saw your pretty mug on the side of a bus the other day."
He grinned.
"I know.
She forwarded a pic she'd taken with her phone.
Awesome, right?" "Beyond.
We'll need to celebrate," I said, stealing his signature line.
"Hell yeah."
* * *
"Whoa!" Shawna paused on the sidewalk outside her Brooklyn apartment complex and gaped at the limousine idling in the street.
"You went all out."
"Not me," I said dryly, checking out her tight red shorts and strategically slashed Six-Ninths