“What storm? It’s beautiful outside.”
“I know. That’s what I thought. But everyone keeps bringing it up. I guess I should turn on the weather.”
“You’re used to those mild winters down south,” Bo said. “North Carolina, right?”
“South,” Ralph said. “Beaufort. But close. You remembered.”
“It’s hard to forget Realty-Man Ralph.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Bo could visualize Ralph rolling his eyes, dismissing the familiar and mildly mortifying marketing label in his tone. “And I’ve lived here longer than there. So, that makes me a local, right?”
“As much as anyone else in DC.”
“Exactly. Anyway, that’s not why I called. I’ve got some good news, Bo. The Tenleytown place has a cash offer of a million dollars.”
“Wow. Congratulations. Didn’t you just list it?”
“Two days ago. I want to celebrate. I’m coming up to Joey Drive. I’ll pick up something... pizza, beer, booze. Whatever. You decide.”
Bo’s mind reeled. He’d planned on using Joey Drive as a home base now that he and Dale were done. He figured he could hole up there for the next week, have plenty of time to find a new permanent residence. Ralph hardly ever dropped in on projects, especially outside the Beltway. Bo wasn’t keen at all on him discovering that he would be squatting there temporarily.
“Hey, Bo! You still there?”
“Yeah. Sorry, Ralph. Lost my train of thought.”
“Do you want pepperoni or—wait... let’s do Chinese. I love that place in Columbia—the one with the giant aquariums.”
“Hunan Manor.”
“Yeah, that’s it. Hunan Manor—and it’s on the way. What about booze?”
“I don’t know, Ralph. It’s Friday and—”
“It’s all good, Bo. Dale’s invited too. Tell him to meet us there. I’ll pick up a bunch of stuff and see you both around four.”
“But Ralph—”
“No buts. See you then.”
Ralph disconnected, and Bo stood there staring at the phone.
Well, so much for trying to derail that train.
He looked at his watch. It was a quarter past twelve. He had a few choices.
He could stay in a hotel for the night.
He could leave his stuff in the truck and go back to Joey Drive laterafterRalph left.
Or... he could fess up.
Bo liked Ralph and always had. Sometimes he’d wondered what would have developed between the two of them had he not been with Dale when they met.
He’s a real estate broker. He would help you find a place.
Ralph was also his boss, had been for quite some time. And though their paths rarely crossed in person, it was still a professional relationship. It felt a little shady to be camping out on his property, behind his back, in what was technically his house.
Bo couldn’t make up his mind, so he decided to come up with a solution later. Right now, he needed to finish up at the Depot and get to Wal-Mart too. He would need sheets and blankets—food, too, with a bad storm coming.
