“You are a fucking genius!”
Cole grinned under my praise. “I’ve been known to have a great idea or two. The truth is, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that night at your apartment. Think your dad would really be willing to perform with us in San Francisco?”
My smile could not be contained. It was still surreal for me to hear everyone call Liam my dad. “Yeah, I think he’d love it. Want me to ask him? Or just surprise the fuck out of him on stage?”
Cole lit up. “Let’s surprise him, but maybe tell your uncle and Logan. That way, they’ll be prepared. We’ll get Phantom to bring him backstage.”
I nodded. “Yeah, he’ll love that.”
“Is he here?” Cole asked, looking around.
“No. I’m meeting him at home. But I could call him to see if he wanted to meet us for a beer and dinner at Alejandro’s. Call Patrick to meet us, too. We won’t be getting any burgers like that for a while.”
My best friend grinned and threw his arm over my shoulder. “That sounds good. I’m hungry as fuck after all that today. But I’m not sure Patrick will make it. He had a press thing this afternoon for the Bowl, and a team meeting afterward. They leave tomorrow for San Francisco.”
I snorted as we headed to the Range Rover. “You think they planned the first stop of the tour to be in San Francisco because of the Super Bowl?”
“You know it,” he chuckled. “It’s genius, really. Of course, there was no way of knowing the Pirates were going to make the Super Bowl again, but having both in San Fran is a win for everyone. Aidan and Jesse especially.”
Cole unlocked the car, and we climbed in. I couldn’t remember the last time I drove myself anywhere, but I didn’t care anymore. It was extra time Michael and I had together.
“Are you taking all Patrick’s stuff with you on the bus?”
We buckled up before he started the car. “No, he’s already packed for both trips. It’s easier for him to just bring it. He can handle it.”
I looked over at my best friend as he pulled out and navigated us through Portland. “I still can’t believe how much my life has changed in the last year.”
“I know. Phantom is good for you. Is he the one?”
I nodded, absolutely sure of my answer. “Yeah, he’s the one. And I hope it stays that way.”
Cole glanced over at me. “If it doesn’t, you’re not alone, Adam. It’s time you realized you never have been. You’ll always have me and Patrick. And your bio family.”
I smiled. “Yeah, I know.”
We were so caught up in our conversation, I didn’t realize I’d forgotten to text Michael until we climbed into the booth at the back of the bar. It was cool having a reserved table in such a public place. Alejandro’s had always been a cool place to hang out, but now that I’d cleared the air with Cooper, it was even better.
Ben approached us with a big smile, distracting me again. “Hey guys! Are you ready for your tour? I think I told you, Adam, but I bought tickets for the San Diego show.”
Cole smiled and gave him a high-five. “Thanks, man. Let us know when you get to the venue. We’ll get Phantom to get you backstage passes.”
Ben’s face lit up. “That would be awesome! I knew working here was the best decision I ever made,” he laughed. “Is it just you two?”
I smiled. “I’m getting ready to text Michael, but we’re not sure about Patrick yet.”
Ben nodded and motioned toward the huge TV that was tuned to the Sports Network.
“Cool. I just saw the promo for the Pirates press day interviews for 7pm. Should be on in a few minutes. IPAs right?”
Cole smiled and nodded. “Yep. Good memory.”
He smiled and tapped his temple. “I’ve got you. Burgers, too?”
My stomach growled. “Fuck yes. But let’s start with some nachos until the other two get here. Who knows how long they’ll be?”
“Good plan. I’ll be back,” Ben said, heading back to the bar.
I pulled out my phone and opened my messages. There were several waiting from Michael I must have missed. I looked at my phone and turned the ringer back on.
