One room down, about a million to go.
I wiped the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. My T-shirt clung to me, and I could feel the pleasant burn in my arms. But I wasn’t ready to be done yet.
I moved to the next room, eyeing the ratty old carpet with disdain. The low-pile carpet was long overdue for retirement, but hey, at least there were no suspicious-looking stains. I grabbed a pry bar and got to work. The rip of the carpet giving way under my hands was a satisfying sound.
My anxiety melted away with each pull. My muscles strained, and I grunted with effort, but damn if it didn’t feel good. This was a real, tangible progress. Something I could see and touch.
After what felt like hours—probably closer to two—I finally paused, leaning against the wall to catch my breath. My chest heaved, and I could feel the ache settling into my muscles. It was a good kind of pain. It meant I’d accomplished something.
But even as my body screamed for a hot shower and bed, that restless energy still thrummed beneath my skin. The thought of going home and having to hear about Drew’s plans for the cocktail class with Patrick made me antsy.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I pulled out my phone and dialed Noah’s number. He picked up on the third ring.
“Dude. You came up from under the piles of cash.”
I chuckled, realizing how rare it was for me to call this late. “Yeah. Feel like a good old Scrooge McDuck. Just wondering if you’re up for grabbing a drink? I need to unwind a bit.”
There was a pause, and I could practically hear Noah’s eyebrows raising. “Unwind, huh? Like at the fundraiser?”
I groaned, my skin heating at the memory. “God, no. I’m too old for that. Only just shook off the hangover. I just…I don’t feel like going home, you know?”
Noah’s laugh was warm and understanding. “All right, all right. Meet you at Tanner’s in twenty?”
“Make it thirty. Thanks, man.” I ended the call, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. A night out with Noah was exactly what I needed. Just enough distraction to quiet my restless thoughts without the risk of making an ass of myself…again. Now, I just needed a quick shower. Thank fuck I had a spare set of clothes in the car because I stunk.
As I made my way to Tanner’s, the refreshing night air helped me think more clearly. The familiar neon bar sign came into view, and I spotted Noah leaning against the brick wall outside.
We headed inside, the warm buzz of conversation and soft music enveloping us. As we settled into a booth, I noticed the concerned look Noah was giving me.
“So, what’s really going on, West? You’re not exactly the ‘spontaneous drinks on a weeknight’ type.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t know, man. It’s just… There’s too much going on, and I feel like I’m at a crossroads right now.”
“Do you need a little push?”
“Fuck, I need a roadmap.”
He laughed. “I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.”
“I never thought I’d say this, but can you just help me get my mind off everything?”
“Dude, I’m married.”
It was my turn to laugh. “That was a good start.”
He raised his hand for the server to come over. “Have I told you about the time Lior came home to me fucking myself on a dildo, and instead of taking over, the fucker focused on the tiny little dog situation?”
And this was why I loved Noah. He didn’t even do it on purpose. He was just…Noah.
“Dude, there’s way too much to unpack here. I’m definitely going to need a drink for this.”
5
DREW
Iswung open the heavy wooden door of Lusitana, revealing an eager Patrick practically bouncing on his toes. His eyes lit up as he followed me to the bar.
“This is so cool,” he gushed, clutching a leather-bound notebook. “Are you sure it’s okay for us to be here when you’re closed?”
