“Look, man, you’re not the first moron to fuck up his life by screwing up with the woman you love.”
“No, I remember, vividly, you did that.”
Forest chuckles. “Yeah, but who’s got the girl now, and who’s drinking scotch?”
I look at my glass quizzically. “How do you know I’m drinking scotch?”
“Macallan twelve. It’s your go-to when the shit hits the fan.”
He knows me well. “Fair.”
“Dom, buddy, we’re proud of you,” he says somberly. “You’re an idiot, but I gotta give kudos where due. I didn’t think you’d quit for a woman. Daisy did. Said it was time.”
“It was,” I agree.
“So…you love this florist?”
Of course, he knows who Enya is. He has the connections, and Forest doesn’t hesitate to use them to protect his family.
“Yeah,” I breathe. “I do.”
“Then grow a pair and go get her.”
“Is that your legal advice?” I quip. “And just for your information, I got a pair. Bigger than yours.”
“That’s my man advice,” he says dryly. “Legal advice is, ‘don’t stalk her from an apartment she doesn’t know you rent.’ And…buddy, your cojones are not bigger than mine.”
I groan. “Are you spying on me?”
“Yeah.” No hesitation or remorse. “Daisy is worried about you. You know I don’t like it when she’s upset. So, I had to.”
“That’s a dumb reason.”
“Hey, I know it’s a cliché, but happy wife, happy life is a mantra every married man must live by.”
I sigh.
“What if she doesn’t forgive me? What I did…is pretty unforgivable, Forest.”
“It is,” he agrees. “But, dude, women don’t want a perfect man. They want an honest one.”
“I’ve been lying to her for?—”
“The past is gone, brother. You gotta live in the now. Be truthful now. Tell her how you feel, and do it knowing that she may knee you in your small nuts.”
“Fuck you,” I mutter. “I need a plan.”
“I can help.”
“Yeah, right. Didn’t you once flood Daisy’s house so she’d move in with you?”
“I did,” he replies proudly. “And now she lives with me, sleeps in my bed, and tells me she loves me, every fucking day. So, you want my help or not?”
“Fine, whatever. I’m going to regret this one way or the other.”
“That’s the spirit,” Forest says gleefully.
10
