“But… The Very Bossy Engagement? That’s a thick book. She worth all that effort?” Dev asked, growing more serious.
“It’s a good book.” I defended Emily’s creation, feeling like she would’ve done the same for my music. I hoped.
“I watch chick flicks with Teri,” Cole said. “They aren’t that bad. I mean, as long as you don’t mind watching something dull that your woman thinks is funny.”
“Obviously they weren’t her books adapted into movies,” I pointed out.
“You have a fucking crush on her,” Dev said.
Max grunted his agreement.
“Shut it,” I said. I liked Emily and all, but a crush? That sounded so…junior high.
“Your face is getting red,” Dev said.
“He’s right.” Cole grinned, the traitor.
“He hasn’t slept with her yet.” Dev said.
“Uh, guys? Hello? I’m, like, right here with you.”
“Yeah, right there blushing,” said Cole.
“It’s the lighting. Sunset.” I gestured in the direction of the windows.
Cole guffawed. “Does the sun set at three sixteen p.m. in Virginia?”
“Fuck off,” I said, since I couldn’t come up with a better comeback.
“Just do her and you won’t have to read about bossy engagements anymore,” Dev said. “Besides, it isn’t like you can stay in Virginia indefinitely. Do her before June. It’d be a bitch driving back and forth between Virginia and Dallas.”
I paused. June wasn’t even two months away. But that was when our vacation was over, and we were supposed to get back together and start working. We’d be in Dallas, and Emily would be here. In Kingstree.
The idea of being away from her clenched around my chest and squeezed until it hurt. For some bizarre reason, I couldn’t imagine not having breakfast together. Or just hanging out, reading her books and talking with her.
Loud knocks on the door came, pulling me out of the sudden funk.
“Billy’s!” the man at the door boomed.
“Gotta go. It’s my plumber.”
“Is that what you call her?” Dev laughed harder.
Even Max and Cole sniggered.
“It’s the plumber. For my water heater.” I gave the gang the Vulcan salute. “Fuck off and prosper.”
I hung up and opened the door to a couple of burly-looking men who looked like they could play extras in a prison yard scene. Then I prayed they knew what they were doing with water heaters.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Killian
The next day I got up early and went for a hard run. I kept thinking about what my band mates had said.
June First.
Then no more Emily.