Page 137 of Hollywood

Hollywood squeezed my leg. “I’m here, okay? Just talk to her.”

I nodded. The lump in my throat made it too hard to speak.

“Let her take in the news. She might need time to process. If she’s not ready to hear it today, it doesn’t mean she’ll never be ready.” He hesitated. “That goes for your dad too, you know. He might come around.”

“I don’t know if I want him to.”

“That’s valid too,” Holly said. “Whatever happens, I’m always here for you. I’m in your corner.”

I took a breath and turned to look at him. “Thanks for not giving up on me.”

“Never, Tex. You’re stuck with me.”

I wanted to kiss him, but the curtains twitched on my sister’s house, and the door opened a minute later. My nephew Dylan came jogging down the steps.

“Uncle Tex!”

I threw open my door and pasted on a grin. “Hey, Dyl! Are you staying out of trouble?”

He scoffed. “My middle name is trouble.”

I laughed at the posturing. He was at that age where he tried so hard to be cool that it was anything but. Damn, I loved the kid. If my sister didn’t take this news well, I wouldn’t be losing only her.

Hollywood joined me on the sidewalk. Dylan’s gaze flicked to him. “Are you the guy with the kid?”

“That’s me,” Hollywood said.

“Dylan!” my sister called from the doorway. “Don’t be rude.”

“Sorry,” he said with a shrug.

“This is Hollywood,” I said.

Dylan eyed Hollywood. “What kind of name is that?”

“A silly nickname your uncle gave me,” Holly said. “My real name is Hendrix. You can call me that if you like.”

“Whatever.” Dylan turned back to me. “Can we game together later?”

“I don’t know if I’ll be here long enough.” His lips tugged down. “We’ll see, okay?”

“Okay,” he said, then added grudgingly, “your friend can have a turn too.”

“Well, thanks,” Hollywood said. “I’m not into gaming, but if there’s time, I’d love to watch you beat Tex’s ass.”

My nephew—the little traitor—laughed. “I always do!”

He ran inside ahead of us. My sister smiled at Hollywood. “So nice to finally meet you, but I’m a little irked with you both.”

Hollywood flashed me a look. Hell, I hadn’t even told her anything yet.

“Where is your little girl?” she went on. “I wanted to meet her!”

“Oh!” Hollywood laughed. “Sorry. She’s at a birthday party with her cousins.”

“Well, I suppose that’s a decent excuse.” Chastity stepped back, waving us inside. “Come sit. I’ve got my youngest down for a nap, so we can have a nice chat.” She paused. “Do you want a soda? I’m all out of beer.”

“That’s okay,” Holly said. “I’m good.”