“Well, this got deep,” Matt murmurs.
I glance at him but continue, “But, in saying that, if you let the fucked-up-ed-ness of life mess with you, then you’re gonna drown. Don’t let the water invade your lungs. Spit that motherfucking water out, pull the plug, let it drain down the plug hole, and buy some fucking vodka to drink instead, and show that water who the goddamn boss is. Because if you let that water drown you, it will swallow you whole. You see what I’m saying?”
He tilts his head. “Don’t let it get on top of you?”
I smile weakly. “Even though everything feels like it’s too much, don’t let the pressure weigh you down. Keep smiling, and eventually, one day, the smile will be real. It won’t be forced, it won’t be hard to put on because it will be genuine and from a place of truth. It won’t happen quickly, but if you keep pushing, itwillhappen, Nate. Nothing’s effortless, and I know breakups are hard, but keep smiling. It actually might help.”
He nods as Matt glances at me, raising his eyebrow like he’s studying me. I try to ignore him as I keep my focus on my boss and friend. “Plus, we’re here to help you through. So when you feel like you can’t smile, tell me, and I’ll make Matt dress up in a tutu or something.”
They both burst out laughing as they shake their heads in the exact same way.
Twins, huh?
“Thanks, Alex, you’re quite insightful for a pixie,” Nate says.
“I’m quite a many things, Natesicles.”
“Can you stop calling me that?” He chuckles, and I grin widely.
“Hmm… maybe! But only if you’re nice. Right, let’s go. I need tacos, burritos, and cheesy fiesta potatoes to soak up the alcohol. Stat!”
Matt laughs and nods. “Taco Bell drive-thru it is!”
Nate downs the last of his stout, and we all stand and head for the door. I notice the security detail that followed us in also follows us out. That’s something I’m not used to, but I guess it’s kind of cool to haveTheRockand theHulklookalikes standing near you all the time. It’s added safety, and that’s always a good thing when you include celebrities in the mix.
We walk out to the car, and I smile as the twilight air hits my face. It’s a chilly night, and a shudder runs over me as Matt steps up next to me.
“You all good?” he asks.
“Yep.” My voice comes out all squeaky and mousey.
What the fuck?
He chuckles and opens the rear door for me.
“Such a gentleman.” I slide across the back seat, and he glides in next to me, followed by Nate in the other side. The two security guards get in front and start the car.
“To Taco Bell, please, Dwayne,” Matt directs, and I turn to him, leaning into him closely. Our shoulders touch completely.
“Are you telling me that the guy who looks likeThe Rockis named Dwayne?” I ask in a whisper, and he nods with a giant smirk.
I throw my head back against the headrest and giggle while he smirks.
It’s not long, and I have my hands full of takeout bags from Taco Bell. The car pulls out of the drive-thru and back out onto the highway.
“Okay, where to?” Dwayne asks.
“Wanna drop me off first?” I ask, and the guys nod. “Great. Can you drop me off at Alameda Street?” I tell him.
Nate’s eyes light up. “You’re kidding?”
“Nope.”
Matt furrows his brows. “What’s so strange about Alameda Street?”
“It’s in the Art District.”
I nod. Of course, Nate would know.
