The alcohol-induced sexual haze lifted, and I stopped mid-thrust. Even in the dimly lit room I could see her eyes glazing over, so I forced myself to finish her off then reached for my phone and punched in my emergency code. She was too far gone to notice until the shrill ring sounded through the room. I cussed out loud and pretended to be irritated with the interruption. I answered in my best angry tone and listened to the prerecorded message, then got off the bed, dressing quickly. I almost felt guilty when she became concerned about my ‘emergency’ at work.
Earlier in the evening, I explained with little detail that I worked in a form of law enforcement. She assumed I was a cop, and I let her. Dickhead move, but it wasn’t like I lied to her; I just didn’t correct her inac
curate assumption. I was out the door in less than three minutes with an apology and a personal vow… that was the last time.
Tripp is staring at me intently as I shake off the memory. He surprises the shit out of me when he states, “I agree.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, man, loose pussy is getting old to me, too.”
My hand braces on the wall, not believing my ‘committed to non-commitments’ friend is agreeing with me.
“Ten seconds ago, you were talking about hooking up. Now, you’ve changed your tune?”
“I’m not sure what’s happening either. But, I can promise you it’s not the ‘disease’.” He uses the term we labeled the guys who fell in love hard and fast.
We drive to Robbie and Ember’s, discussing his latest project at work and the intern he’s being assigned to next week.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him about meeting Ember on Tuesday, but I promised to keep my mouth shut about the search for a dog.
When we pull up to Robbie’s house, I groan at the sight of Ember’s cousin, Cruz, waving his hands at us wildly.
We’re barely stopped when he tugs the truck door open and starts rambling about nonsense. His partner, Alex, walks up and puts his hand over his mouth long enough for us to get out and make it to the top stair.
Somewhere, I understood what he was saying… Harley…buying one.
“Cruz,” I turn and lay a hand on his shoulder, “you want a Harley, go talk to the sales manager and order one. Each of us has already picked out our model. They’ll be delivered soon.”
He relaxes and smiles back at Alex before sliding past me into the house.
Ember’s in the dining room, looking very much like a glowing wife. She’s setting the table and flashes her usual bright smile. Her Aunt Chloe comes out of the kitchen and waves at us in greeting. Robbie gives us a one-handed gesture then jerks his head, letting us know to come out to the back porch.
Ember’s dad, Thad, is sitting in a lounger, drinking a beer. I’m not surprised to see Ember’s whole family here. She had a terrible childhood, which even resulted in Thad doing jail time for assault on a minor. She never had the security of a traditional family. So now, she uses every excuse she can to get them together. And Robbie will do anything in his power to make her happy, so he agrees.
We get our own beer and sit down. Robbie works the grill quietly, and my instincts kick in. Something is not right.
“Robbie, you want to let Thad take the steaks a minute and come look at a problem on my truck?” I make a move to get up, knowing he’ll catch my hint.
“Fuck no, you’re not fooling me. I’d like to know what’s on Robbie’s mind, too.” Thad pushes, reading his mood.
Robbie sighs, his shoulders slumping. I’ve seen this look before. My gut twists, and I grab my phone, scrolling through, and see two missed calls from Max. I automatically know what’s on Robbie’s mind.
“Do you remember Simon Chambers? He was in infantry with us and lived on base when we did.”
I nod, picturing his goofy grin and remembering the classless jokes this guy would tell endlessly— some funny, some vulgar, some downright juvenile. But, he helped keep the spirits up. From what I remember, he was also a practical joker.
“He’s dead. Max got word today. He was killed in action.”
I hang my head, mind racing. “Son of a bitch.”
“Motherfucker,” Tripp hisses.
“I’ve got this, son,” Thad takes the tongs and hands Robbie another beer. “Have a seat.”
“Tell me.” I rub my temples.
“Remember he was from around here? The service is scheduled in a week, and his family is having it in East Nashville. I’m thinking of going. Max is coming home.”