“Then you ride off into the sunset in that badass motorhome,” he teases.
I chuckle. “Maybe. But I’d definitely come back. I couldn’t leave you guys.”
Declan seems touched. He looks down at his hands as he thinks about it. “Three months is a long time.”
“Exactly. For him, too,” I press. “He’s not going to handle three months alone, Dec. He’s already depressed.”
“Let him go, babe,” Seth says. “I’ll help around here if needed.”
Declan snorts. “I love you, but you can’t tend bar like he can.”
Seth laughs. “No, but Mel can. And I can serve like she does. I’ll take her spot, at least on the weekends. Plus, River was asking for a job, wasn’t he? Give him a chance.”
Declan has always been leery around River. He’s a sketchy customer who sometimes forgets to pay his tab.
He finally nods. “Yeah, you’re right. It’ll work.”
I exhale hard. “You sure? I feel like shit for the short notice, but I will come back. I promise. I just want to be there for him.”
He tilts his head. “He’s your guy, man. Of course I’m sure. Besides, you’re not getting off that easy. I’ll put you on social media duty and other admin shit while you’re gone.”
I grimace.
Declan laughs.
“I might be able to find some work for you too, if you need it,” Seth offers. “Copy writing and that kind of thing.”
“Really?”
He nods. “There’s always musicians looking for help. I can ask around at work.”
“Okay. Yeah, I’d appreciate that.” We all know Declan can’t pay me the same salary for running the social media pages. We’re doing well, but not that well. And I have a small savings, but not enough to last three months, so any work is great.
“Cool. I’ll get something set up for you soon then,” Seth says.
“When are you leaving?” Declan asks.
I flinch. “I, uh. Well, I was hoping to head out tonight. Or tomorrow morning. Depends on how fast I can pack up the house.”
Declan stills. “Shit. That fast?”
“He’s really depressed, Dec. Like, I don’t think he realizes how bad he is, but I see it, you know? And it’s starting to scare me.”
He and Seth exchange a look. Declan lowers his voice. “I’ve seen it too. Maybe not as much as you, but I’ve definitely noticed he’s not himself. Anyway, yeah. Do what you need to.”
I finally relax. “Thank you.”
Declan stands. “Jord, you’ve been my rock for three years. Did you really think I’d say no? Plus, I like Miles. He’s a sweet guy, and he’s good for you. So go enjoy yourself for a while. Have fun. See the zoo and aquarium or whatever.”
Energy buzzes through me. I haven’t even thought about that. Miles is finally going to explore Salt Lake City.
“Besides, you can make it even in a few months,” Seth cuts in. “Declan and I are taking some time off too, after the wedding, so you can cover him then.”
I laugh. “Sounds good.”
Declan pulls me in for a long hug, and I soak it up. “Thank you.”
“No. Thankyou,Jordan. Seriously. I haven’t said that enough. I couldn’t have kept this place alive without you and Piper, and you know it.”
