Page 76 of Hollywood

“Actually, we’re headed out.”

His whole expression sagged. “Oh. Okay.” He nodded, looking forlorn. “I should have called first.”

Tex cleared his throat behind me. “What’s goin’ on?”

Shoot. I really hadn’t wanted to wake him up. I half turned. “Sorry. Go back to bed. Ruby and I were just leaving.”

Ruby ran to Tex, clinging to his legs, and he lifted her up and joined me by the door. He took one look at Joyride and snorted. “You’re a sorry sight. What the hell happened?”

Joyride grimaced. “Fight with my dad. Sorry. I figured you’d all be up early with Ruby or I wouldn’t have come by.”

“Tex is working nights now.” I turned toward him. “Seriously, go crash for a little while. Ruby and I will be at the rehab center for an hour or so.”

“And what about this sorry guy?” he said, gesturing to Joyride.

“He’s leaving.” I stepped onto the porch and nudged Joyride toward the steps. “C’mon. Tex needs to sleep. He’ll have Ruby all day.”

Joyride hesitated. “Want a coffee?”

“He doesn’t need?—”

“Yeah,” Tex said. “I’ll take one.”

I shot him a look. He shrugged. “I’m up now. I feel all right. I’ll just enjoy some chill time alone until you’re back.” He hesitated. “Unless you want me to come along? I don’t want to intrude with Carrie, but…”

“No, stay. Relax. We’ll be back soon enough.”

Joyride handed him a coffee, and Tex sipped it. “Mm. Not bad. You’re hired.”

Joyride’s smile was sheepish. “Sorry for waking you up.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’d offer to let you stay, but I know I’m not the one you came to see.”

Joyride shifted. “Yeah, I think I’ve bothered you enough for one morning.”

I nudged Joyride. “You can come with me and Ruby. We’ll talk in the car.”

He looked uncertain. “Yeah? I don’t want to intrude.”

“You won’t. You can hang in the waiting room while we visit with Carrie.”

He nodded, his expression full of relief. “Sure, yeah. Whatever you want.”

I resisted the urge to turn and kiss Tex goodbye. He wasn’t ready for public displays of affection. But Ruby wasn’t so subtle. She leaned toward him, smacking her lips loudly, until he graced her with a forehead kiss.

“Be a good girl, Roo. See you soon.”

I made eye contact with him, saying with my eyes what I couldn’t say with my lips. “We’ll be back soon.”

“Take your time.”

He closed the door and I started down the porch steps, Joyride following on my heels.

“When are you guys going to admit you’re a couple?”

I turned a sharp look toward him. “Who said we were?”

He shrugged. “Kind of obvious, isn’t it? You eye-fucked him right in front of me.”