Wood (A True Lover's Story #2) - A.E. Via Page 0,14
he went to his closet and pulled out his scarf and a thick beanie. He ignored the almost desperate vibes coming at him from behind when he turned off his light and left out of his room.
“Trent really is a great guy once you get past his guard. And trust me, it’s in place for a reason. But if you can ignore the blustering and earn his respect, he’ll start to trust you. With his trust comes his loyalty. And if you’re lucky enough to earn that, then he’ll be the best man in the world to have in your corner.”
“Better than you?” Wood asked, realizing he was intrigued by the sudden challenge.
“Ten times better,” Bishop said, then clutched onto his shoulder. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you? Come on, Wood. You’re used to dealing with mouthy men who simply… need a friend.”
Wood spun on Bishop once they were in the living room. “That guy doesn’t need or want a friend. And even if he did, he doesn’t want me… he wants you.”
“Trent has me.” Bishop frowned.
“Does he?” Wood asked seriously.
“Yes! But I want you both. I mean, I want you two to get along so we can all chill together. Double up and stuff. Trent won’t hang out with me and Eddie because he says he doesn’t want to be a third wheel.”
Wood scowled. “Are you insane? What the hell you mean double up? Me and him are not a— He thinks I’m freakin’ Father Time. He asked me if I had any dietary restrictions.”
The front door opened just as Bishop let out a loud bark of laughter. Trent grinned when he walked in as if he was pleasantly surprised to see him there. Then his smoky eyes landed on Wood and his smile fell from his lips faster than Lucifer fell from grace. It was hard to miss the slightly annoyed glare as he scanned Wood’s “dressed nice” outfit.
“Been a long deployment, huh, sailor?” Trent asked snidely. “Looks as if you’re planning to have more than just dinner tonight.”
Wood narrowed his eyes, and Bishop hurried to speak as if sensing the discord. “Trent, go clean up real quick and get changed. We’re gonna take Wood to his old shop, then get some food at Rudee’s.” Bishop greedily rubbed his big hands together. “Come on, that’s your favorite.”
Trent looked back and forth between them, his gaze lingering on Wood a few seconds longer, then shook his head. “Y’all go on.”
“Trent,” Bishop said, seeming surprised.
“I’m just tired, all right? I worked all day.” Trent walked by with his bag and whispered in Wood’s direction, “Hope you have a good time.”
“Damnit,” Bishop hissed. “Why won’t he snap outta this?”
“Not everyone likes change. Especially when it’s forced on them.” Wood added his two cents whether Bishop wanted to hear it or not.
“Let’s just go. The shop’ll be closing in an hour.” Bishop left out before him, and Wood turned off the lights and locked the front door.
Chapter Seven
Wood
“Man, a lot sure has changed down here. Wow, I see the haunted mansion is still there though.” Wood said as Bishop drove them up Atlantic Avenue at twenty miles per hour.
No one drove fast on the strip; they had to cruise slow to take in all it had to offer. Because it was winter, and the tourist off-season, it wasn’t swarming with people. Which was the perfect time for him to go. He didn’t prefer large crowds; they made him nervous. Something always happened when too many people were gathered in one place. He had the window of Bishop’s work truck rolled halfway down so he could smell the salty ocean and hear the waves washing up on the shore.
He remembered walking to the Dairy Queen they’d just passed and having a mint Oreo Blizzard on his break between customers. And the Beach Arcade where he embarrassed his friends in Skee-Ball on the weekend before they went to the bar. He was glad some things never changed. There was a new naval aviation monument along the boardwalk, and Wood figured he’d take the bus back alone later and check it out. So many memories flooded over him as Bishop eased up to the curb in front of the tattoo shop he’d put his blood, sweat, tears, and entire life savings into, only to see it now with someone else’s name on the front. He didn’t get out right away as he stared through the glass windows.