Page 34 of Property of Player

Beck makes a show of looking around. “Who’s the other for? Your invisible friend?”

“Taylor.”

“Bring her a coffee. That’s the way to her heart. Maybe you should throw in a donut, big spender.”

“Shut up.”

When the clerk returns, I add a donut, and Beck chuckles.

We move to a table in the courtyard, and Beck pulls the lid off his cup. “I hate these damn things. It’s like I’m a toddler for God’s sake.”

I sip mine, and my phone goes off.

“Who is it?” Beck asks.

“Dad.”

“Tell him Two-men-and-a-truck ain’t open yet.”

“Yo,” I answer, putting it to my ear.

“Mornin’ VP.”

“Mornin’, prez.”

“Noon. Don’t be late. Find Beck. He’s not answering his phone.”

I grin at Beck. “Will do.”

He disconnects, and I toss my phone on the table. When I look up, I see Taylor pulling into a diagonal parking spot on the street. When she climbs out of her car, I stand and whistle. “Babe. Over here.”

She’s surprised, but walks over to the courtyard, taking in Beck. “What are you two doing here?”

He stands and gives her a hug. “Hey, darlin’. Ask Romeo. We just moved him into a condo down the street.”

I glare at him, and he grins. I pull a chair out for her. “I got you a cappuccino.”

“And a donut. That was my idea.”

“Thanks.” She looks bewildered. “You moved in down the street?”

“Thanks, blabbermouth.” I glare at Beck.

“No problem. Just here to help.”

I cough over the word bullshit. Taylor is staring at me, waiting for an explanation, so I go with the truth. “I bought a place at the Marina Condos. Maybe after you get off, we can go for a ride.”

“Well, I hope she works until sundown at least because that’s how long we’re gonna be movin’ furniture,” Beck adds helpfully.

“Oh, right. Your dad’s place, huh?”

“Yeah. So, when do you get off work?” I already know from the schedule Kayla gave me, but she doesn’t know that.

“Six.”

“I’ll swing by and pick you up. We can take a ride out to Slaughter Beach.”

“Slaughter Beach? What for?”