I nod back. "Not everyone is that fair. And some will see her as the one who holds secrets or hidden cash. So...I make sure she's not easy to find. And I keep an eye on her, that's all."
"That's all?" Silas turns in his seat.
"The Alex persona was—is—a way to keep tabs on her, to keep an eye on her. To keep her safe."
They exchange a look.
Silas motions for me to continue.
I decide to skip the part about the flirting and the dirty sexts because there is no way I'm telling them both about any of that. I will never hear the end of it. And they will give me so much shit I will need a fucking giant shovel.
But while Cade lets that slide, Silas doesn't.
Silas is a different beast. He doesn't let things slide. Not ever.
And nothing gets past him.
It is what makes him a great PI and an annoying friend.
He knows there is more.
Silas starts to slow clap. "Nice show, Enzo. Too bad you're leaving things out."
Cade mutters, "Dude, just?—"
Silas ignores him. "Why the Alex shit? You can do this from afar. Without Alex."
"It was easier."
"You named him," Silas says. "I call bullshit."
Cade pushes his glasses on top of his head as he looks up from his phone for a moment. He wants to say something but doesn't. And I know why. I know the history of him and Violet.
"You texted her and then you named your text dude." Silas waits.
I rub the back of my neck. "Okay, so I might have started a text relationship. But she doesn't know it's me. And she doesn't like me."
"Fuck, man." Silas shakes his head.
Cade downs some of his drink. "Hate to be Captain fucking obvious here, Enz, but eventually, she will find out."
Silas nods. "They always do. Women are freaking smart."
"And then this is gonna blow up in your face, Enzo." This is from the traitor Cade, formerly known as my closest friend.
"Maybe nuclear," Silas says.
I sigh. "Look, I don't doubt you guys are right."
"Of course, we are. And I know I always am." Silas places a hand on his heart. "It's a hard cross to bear but...bear it I do."
I ignore him. "But for now, these text sessions?—"
Silas's eyes widen. "They're sessions now?"
"Don't," I mutter.
Silas studies me. "Fine, I won't. But what's going to happen down the track?"
