“It is.”
We both fall silent.Lorne is probably contemplating what a monstrous arsehole I am.Me, I’m thinking much the same, until it strikes me that he’s all about taking chances and running the risk of getting crushed, but has advised me to conform to my status quo.
“It’s one option, Dylan,” Lorne remarks, as if he has a window into my head.“I’m not saying it’s what you should do.”
No, he’s saying the exact opposite.He’s highlighting my options, take a chance on something that might lead me somewhere sweet, or conform to the norm—my norm—and risk never knowing what could have been.
“If you were me?”
His chuckle chases away some of the tension that has built between us.“Isn’t what you want to hear, Dylan.”
“Try me.”
He inhales languidly, and briefly closes his eyes.His lips purse into something halfway between a smile and a scowl, then he opens his baby-blues and spears me with his gaze.“Shag her.Keep shagging her until it gets old, until it stops meaning anything.Then stop shagging her.If it’s not meant to be, it won’t last.If it is, you get to grow old together.”
The old ticker in my chest goes all skippy over that notion.I’m not sure whether to put it down to panic or excitement.“And everyone will just accept that?”
“Anyone who matters will.The rest don’t matter.They don’t get a say.Fuck ’em, Dylan.Live your life for you, not for what other people think.Frankly, I’m astonished I’m having to point this out to you.Do whatever makes you happy.If that happens to be a slinky blonde blue-eyed giant with biceps big enough to hold you down while screwing you, then go for it.”
“I don’t like—”
“Yeah, you do.And one of these days, you’re going to make peace with that fact.As for the other matter of your safety and somewhere to stay, I don’t think you crashing with me is a wise plan.If this person knows anything at all about you, that’s the first place they’ll come looking for you.I do have a possible alternative though.It’s well off the beaten track.Remote enough that you’ll notice anyone who shouldn’t be there.”
I nod as Lorne writes down the details for whom to call in order to arrange it.He gives me fair warning that the amenities take a little getting used to, and that it’s decidedly bijou.I’ve been living out of hotel rooms for months, a smallish property doesn’t concern me.It’s more important to create a haven on my terms, rather than have my situation dictated to me by Howard Falchard.No doubt he’s got several things to say on the matter that Kira’s going to bludgeon me with in the next few minutes.
“You done?”She looks up from her empty coffee cup, when we approach.
I nod and thank Lorne for his assistance.We exchange a one armed hug, and slap one another on the back.Kira is slipping off her bar stool when Lorne scoops something off the bar and waves it at me.
“Nearly forgot.This is for you.”
I reach out to take the envelope, only to have Kira snatch it out of Lorne’s hand.She opens it up like it might explode, or disperse some sort of toxin into the air.When neither thing occurs, she passes it to me.
“I always appreciate being allowed to open my own mail.”
“I appreciate it when my charges don’t die on me.”
“She’s got you there.”Lorne pats me on the shoulder.“I can pass on your reply if you can give me one now.”
I take another look at the engagement party invitation bidding me to come and celebrate with Dare and his future bride.“Who’s going to be there?”
“Everyone who’s anyone.Come on, Dylan, the Woodrows are marrying one of their own.This is the event of the century.Who the hell thought Dare Wilde would ever tie the knot, especially with a girl you’d be proud to take home to your mama?”
There’s not a girl on the planet that I’d take home to meet my mama.Not a single one.I never want to set eyes on dear Mama again.
“It’s probably too dangerous for me to attend.I’m a liability at the moment.No one wants their party turning into a bloodbath.”
Kira has claimed the invitation again, and is perusing the contents.“All Stars are providing the security for this event.If you want to attend, it won’t be a problem.Howard can factor your situation into the arrangements.”
My situation.My situation fucking sucks!
“Don’t forget your plus one.”Lorne remarks.I curl my fists when he winks.
***
“Did you achieve what you came for?”Kira asks once we’re back outside on the street.Johns is circling the vicinity in the car.He pulls to a stop a little way along the street to pick us up.
Inside is blissfully warm in comparison to the breezy weather, and smells of polished leather.
