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Hollywood cleared his throat. “Anyway, that’s all I had to say. Take it as you will.” He shuffled his feet. “I appreciate all you’re doing for Carrie. If I’m out of line, I apologize. I just want what’s best for Joey. He’s made mistakes, but he wants to be a better man. We all do.”

I unstuck my tongue from the roof of my mouth. “You’ve given me some things to think about. You’re obviously a good friend to him.”

“He’s a good friend to me,” Hollywood said. “My turn to pay it forward.”

We returned to the room, and I collected Carrie for her PT session, but for the rest of the day, his words echoed through my head.

I didn’t want to be the guy who took advantage of someone else’s pain. I didn’t want to use anyone or lead them on.

Maybe it was time to deal with my hangups. I picked up the receiver and called Piper on her extension.

“Hey, Kit, what’s up?”

“Do you think I could schedule an unofficial counseling session next week?” I asked. “I’ve got some things to work through.”

“Yeah,” she said softly. “I’ve been hoping you might ask.”

“How is Reba doing with forgiving her husband?” I asked, reminded of the last time we spoke. “She was a little better in therapy this week.”

“We’re making progress. It’ll take time, but she wants to forgive and that’s the first step.”

I could certainly relate. We hung up after scheduling something for Monday evening.

Then I texted Joey.

Working late again?

I finished up my final emails of the day, made a few notes, and shut down my laptop. By the time I got to my car, he’d answered.

Joey:

Yeah, Damon is here on his own time, so I figure it’s the least I can do.

Kit:

Have you eaten?

Joey:

Not yet. I’ve got a PB&J, but it’s not exactly calling my name.

Kit:

I think we can do a little better than that. I’ll be there in fifteen.

I hadn’t been with Joey since last Saturday, and after Hollywood’s warning, I needed to see him. Needed to reassure myself that we were on the same page.

And hell, I could admit it, couldn’t I? I’d missed him this week. Missed the stress release and orgasms, sure, but also missed his shy smiles after the sex was over, his voice, warm and intimate as we lay together.

Missed his sincere desire to be a better person that came through in every word and action.

I hadn’t needed Hollywood to tell me that much about Joey. I’d known. Maybe not right from the first, but certainly for a while now.

I hit the drive-thru at Zacos, then went to the work site over on the east side of town. Luckily, this project was local, so it was an easy drive, just eight blocks from my house.

I parked at the curb, behind the Scott Construction work truck, and headed inside.

“Knock-knock. Food delivery.”