Peanut ignored him completely, but Butter met his gaze and held it.
"Damn you," said Ollie."You're not supposed to be able to make me feel guilty.You're supposed to be just a dog, you know."
Butter growled at that, making him laugh.
"I know, I know.I never said that's all you are, but that's how it's supposed to look to the outside world.They don't need to know that you guys are my best friends and moral conscience, do they?Best friends along with Reaves," he added hurriedly.Even when Reaves wasn't around, he wouldn't want him to feel left out.
He opened his dad's text.
Dad:Any chance I might be able to talk you into a visit sometime soon?
Ollie's eyebrows shot up.He hadn't been expecting that.And there was no way he was going to reply without taking his time to think it over first.
In fact, this was the kind of thing that made him glad Reaves was such a good friend.He dialed his number and waited.But it went straight to voicemail.
"Hey, bud.Don't know what you're up to today.I'm just hanging out with the dogs.I could do with bending your ear if you have a minute later.My dad asked if I want to go visit!"
He set his phone back down and went to stare out the windows.The house was beautiful.The pool was awesome.He let out a short laugh.In the past he’d never been sure if women — or most people — liked him for himself or for his name and money.It seemed to him that a lot of women would like him even more for all of this.Callie was the only one for whom it was a problem.
He went back to the counter when his phone rang.
"Hey, Reaves," he answered.
"Hey, bud.What's the deal with your dad?"
"Damned if I know.He messaged me the other night asking how I am.And today he wants to know if there's any chance I might visit."
"And is there?"
"Not likely.He's bound to want something."
Reaves sighed."Yeah, he is.He's your dad.Maybe he just wants to see you."
Ollie scowled."As if.You know how he is.There'll be a reason."
"And like I said, the reason could just be that he wants to see you, Ollie."
"Nah.I think you romanticize him too much.You always do.He's not like Charles."
"I know he isn't, but I think you're too hard on him."
Ollie made a face.
"I do," Reaves insisted."These last few years, it seems to me that he's been trying to make an effort.And you're the one who doesn't have time for him now."
"Why should I?He never had time for me."
"I know, but I think he's trying to make up for it.And he'll never be able to if you don't let him, you know."
"Okay, wise one.Thanks for the advice, but let's move on."
Reaves chuckled."I'll be happy to.You get pretty stubborn about your dad, so I know I'm not going to get anywhere with that.And besides, I have some good news."
"You do?"
"Yeah, I do.Or at least, I think it'll be good — if you and Callie..."
"You mean you've spoken to Alara?"
