Page 17 of Just for the Plot

“I think you should expect that response from anyone you tell that idea to.” My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out, seeing two messages, which I must have missed while I was watching OC “delicately” feed a giraffe.

The first one’s from Nolan.

Nolan:By the gate when you’re ready.

I quickly shoot him a text back, letting him know I’ll be right out. I had to take my car in for some new tires today and Nolan said he’d help me out.

The next text is from Bower, which of course makes me smile because I’m a fucking fool and can’t help it.

Bower:Okay, don’t get mad, but I might have spilled some juice on your carpet. I have spent a lot of time trying to make it seem like it didn’t happen. But this V8 juice you got has some powerful staining capabilities and you can still see a faint outline of it. I’m headed to the store to get more products to clean it, but just in case you get home and see it, I didn’t wantyou to think I’d been stabbed and stolen. It was just me being clumsy. Also, I’m sorry and I promise I’ll get it out.

Hell, is it too pathetic of me to want her to keep the stain, because then it will remind me of her every time I walk past it?

Probably.

Bennett:Don’t worry if you can’t get it out. It’s fine. No biggie.

“Who are you cheating on me with?” OC asks, arms folded, looking irritated.

“What?” I ask, pocketing my phone and waving to the crew as I take off and head toward the back gate exit.

“I can tell you’re cheating on me with someone you’re texting.”

“Can you not say I’m cheating on you? Jesus, man.”

“Is it Graydon? Do you guys have a secret text thread that I’m not included in? Because that would just about kill me. You know I’m already struggling with the trade, this new PR situation, and not being able to fix things with my ex. I’m delicate.”

“Trust me, I know. Delicate and…needy.”

He follows me toward the gate. “You know, each and every day, you’re starting to sound more and more like Graydon.”

Knowing he is going through a tough time, I turn to him and say, “I’mnot cheating on you, trust me. I can’t possibly take on another friend like you.”

He places his hand against his chest, relief spilling through his muscles as he relaxes. “Thank Jesus. You know I’ve been struggling, especially with Grace not answering my messages. I thought she might want to get back together, but I just…I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

I pat him on the shoulder. “Maybe that’s the best thing for both ofyou.”

He shakes his head and then grows serious. “I can’t get her out of my head.”

Fuck if I know that feeling all too well.

“And this trade to the Rogue has made the situation harder.”

“I get it, man. Maybe give it a day or two and reach out again.”

“Yeah, maybe,” he says and then sighs. “You headed to the stadium?”

“Yup. Game tonight.”

“Well, good luck. Hit me a home run.”

My brow pinches together. “Yeah, don’t see that happening.”

“You fucking wound me,” he says as I move past the gate and spot Nolan in his light blue Porsche Macan.

I open the door and take a seat, buckling up as he speeds off out of the parking lot.

“Jesus,” I say, gripping on to the handle, my back flying against the seat.