“Listen…I-I’m sorry. That was a dick thing to say.”
Morgan shrugged. “I’m used to it from you.”
The man had a point. “Well, I’m still trying to apologize.”
“For what, exactly?” Morgan met his eyes, and Leo was surprised to see compassion along with concern. “Do you have any recollection as to what happened last night?”
Feeling a little queasy, Leo joined him on the bed. “Some of it…like being in the backyard and drinking too many beers.”
“Peter told me five that he counted.”
Leo winced. “That would explain it. I don’t think I was even there an hour.”
“Anything else?” Morgan asked, caution edging his voice.
Oh, yeah. I fucking attacked your mouth like it was a Tootsie Pop.
“Uh…no, not really. Everything is pretty fuzzy.”
He couldn’t tell if relief or dismay washed over Morgan’s face.
“Well, I’ll fill you in. You puked your guts out in the bathroom, and after I helped you brush your teeth and got you out of there with Peter and Georgie’s help, we came home in Georgie’s car. Peter and I dragged your sorry ass in here, and then you asked me to stay.” He lifted his chin defiantly, and Leo had another flashback of the two of them sitting together and taking that stubborn chin in hand as he ravaged Morgan’s mouth. He licked his lips, and Morgan zeroed in on his movements.
He’s waiting for me to say something, but I can’t because I’m a fucking coward.
“I’m sorry I messed up your evening.”
“It was nothing. Your friends are nice. Peter said to tell you he’s going to bring your bike today.”
“Listen—”
“No, I’d better get going.” Morgan bent to put on his sneakers.
Leo’s phone rang, and at the sight of his mother’s number, alarm zinged through him. He grabbed the phone. “Mom?”
“It’s Natalia, Mr. Leo.” His mother’s aide cried loudly in his ear. “Your mother, she’s in a bad way.” Her voice cracked with fear.
He shouldn’t give a damn. He should tell her to call an ambulance and have her taken to the hospital. He should.
“What’s wrong?”
“She’s refusing to take her medicine, and she’s screaming, saying you never loved her. No one loves her. I tried to calm her down, but I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid she’ll have another stroke or heart attack with how she’s carrying on, throwing and breaking things.”
In the background he could hear the crying, along with the sound of smashing china.
“Okay. I’m coming over, but it’ll take me a while. I have to call a car.”
“Just come, please. I know you’ll be able to help.”
Unlikely, but he had no choice.
“I’ll see you soon.”
He raced to the dresser and pulled on a T-shirt and shorts, then slipped his feet into flip-flops. Morgan stood waiting for him by the door. Leo had forgotten he was there.
“I have to go.” He ran out of the apartment, but Morgan followed him.
“I heard. I called a car service for you. It’ll be here in two minutes.”
