Page 174 of Just One More Thing

Wayne: Sorry Jake really

That one hits harder than I expect.

Because Wayne only drops the act when something matters.

Thanks, man. Me too.

I set the phone back down and finally take a drink of the coffee Walt or someone left at my door this morning. It’s gone lukewarm, but I drink it anyway because it’s here and because doing something with my hands feels better than doing nothing.

When I lean over to put the cup on the end table, Walt’s thick black handwriting stares back at me.

NOT EVERYTHING LOST IS GONE

“Bullshit.”

Hank lifts his head off my thigh and squints up at me, tongue hanging off to one side, bottom teeth showing.

“What’d you think about joining the Bucs Krewe?”

He looks at me like he’s willing to hear more if I’ve got it. Then he sighs and drops his head back into my lap.

I rub the loose rolls of skin at the back of his neck, slow and absentminded.

I unlock my phone again.

Need to see you ASAP.

Kevin: On my way.

I stare at the name assigned to her contact.

Kevin.

Kevin Costner.The Bodyguard.

I never changed it.

This decision affects Bethany too. Going back means she either comes with me and steps back into a life she chose to leave, or she stays here and keeps The Knuckle running until I figure out what the hell my life looks like now.

Neither one is small.

A few minutes later, the screen door slams. Then her shoes hit the floor.

“Hey.”

“You got here fast,” I say as she walks into the living room.

“You need me. I’m here.”

That’s Bethany. No drama. No speech. Just there.

“I do need you.” I turn the coffee cup so I don’t have to keep looking at Walt’s message. “And I need an answer fast, which I know isn’t fair. So I’m sorry for that.”

She comes farther in, takes one look at my face, and sits. “What’s up?”

“I was offered the QB spot with the Bucs. I turned it down a few days ago, but now…” I let the sentence die there.

“Are you thinking about going back because you want to?”