Leah: I second that, but it needs to be after I recover from feeling like death.
Ronnie: Uh, yeah. We don’t want you infecting us.
Liz: How about Friday night?
I let them all make the plans because I honestly don’t even think they need me for this conversation.
After the date is set for Friday, they start discussing locations. It's decided we’ll do it at Ronnie’s extra house–as we call it. A few years ago, when Ronnie moved back to town she moved into Liz’s old place. She was renting it at first but eventually bought it. Her original plan was to turn it into a rental for some extra income, but she never got that far. A lot of her stuff is still there, and I think sometimes, she goes there to decompress when life gets to be a little too much. Settling down has been a rough transition for her, and I think Drew knows that and gives her space when she needs it.
My sisters decide that would be the perfect place to host girls’ night since there won’t be any men or kids around to interrupt us.
We are just finishing this conversation when Beau brings me some pizza. I’ve been so busy staring at my phone that I didn’t even hear the door.
“Damn,” I say. “I must be really out of it.”
“You and Mia both.” He smiles. “My mighty guard dog didn’t even flinch.”
I look down at the pup who is now giving me big sad eyes, hoping for some pizza. “You better leave this sweet girl alone.”
As we eat, Beau asks, “Everything okay with your sisters?”
“Yeah, they want to have a girls' night on Friday.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“Eh, I guess. I’m not super thrilled, but I can get out of it if I really want to.”
“Jo, I’m not meaning to be a buzzkill here, but take it from someone who lost his brother, spend the time with your siblings while you still can.”
“Well, now, you made me feel bad,” I joke. “But I know you’re right. You’ll just have to get on with your Friday night without me.”
“You go have fun, and I’ll be here waiting when you’re done.”
We finish our pizza, and I consider cashing in on the promise of seven orgasms, but the longer I sit here, the heavier my eyelids become. And before I know it, I’m out like a light.
Chapter thirty-eight
Tuesday Meltdowns
Jo
Iwake up the next morning, reaching for Beau, but once again, he’s nowhere to be found. Glancing at the clock, I realize that he’s probably already up and getting ready for work. Where I am more of a roll out of bed and head out, Beau seems to be one who likes to take his time in the morning.
I reach over and grab my phone to see if I’ve missed anything. The only thing that is on the screen is a text from Jack.
Hey, this week, the shop is going to be super slow. Unfortunately, I’m not going to have much work for you to do, so I’m going to have to cut your hours. Hopefully, next week will pick up and be back to normal. Sorry for the short notice.
No worries. Just let me know when you want me to come back.
I play it off like it’s not a big deal, but it actually is. I don’t do well when I have nothing to do. At least, going into the shop gave me some sort of purpose for my day.
Now, what the fuck am I going to do?
I stare up at the ceiling for a few minutes before finally rolling out of bed. When I’m vertical, I make my way to the bathroom before venturing out to find Beau.
He’s sitting in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee, and reading a book.
“It’s way too early for reading,” I tell him.
