You up for tacos?" "Hell yeah."
I took him to the little Mexican place Megumi had introduced me to and tried not to let him see how guilty his greeting made me feel.
I hadn't been home in a couple days and Gideon was planning a weekend trip away, which meant it would be another few days before I hung out with Cary again.
It had been a relief when he'd agreed to meet me for lunch.
I didn't want to go too long without checking in with him and making sure he was all right.
"Got any plans tonight?" I asked, after ordering for both of us.
"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.