Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Shit, man. That sucks. I’m sorry for you and Reese.”
“It’s him I worry about more than me. But anyway, I’m always rambling about my problems to you, so none of that tonight. Dinner’s on me, by the way. What do you want?”
Clint could tell that being the one to buy dinner was important to August, so he agreed. “My favorite is the fish and hush puppies. My treat next time.”
“Got yourself a deal, and that’s my favorite too.”
When the waitress returned a moment later, they ordered the same meal.
Clint said, “If you want, I can pick you and Reese up on Friday for Movies with Goats.” As soon as he asked, he wondered if maybe he shouldn’t have. If that would be weird for Reese, or hell, August too, for that matter. “No obligation, of course.”
“Sure, that’d be nice,” August replied at the same time, making the two of them chuckle.
“Perfect. I’ll pick you up about six thirty?”
“We’ll be ready. He’s excited to go. I think the animals help. Also, he really did like you the other day.”
Clint couldn’t lie, hearing that made his chest fill with warmth. “Well, I like him too. Deacon and Grady will meet us there. You’ll like them. And Roe said the boys are excited to meet Reese. He’ll be in good hands.”
August rubbed a hand over his face. “I hope it works out. I want him to be happy. I want him to feel at home here.”
“He will.”
The waitress brought their food, and they dug in, talking about Clint’s work and August’s new job. August asked about the dogs, and the kind of movies they played at the farm, and what to expect.
Just like the first day they hung out as kids or the day they met when August moved back, it was comfortable, like they’d been friends forever and time hadn’t separated them. They teased each other, and asked questions, and once August even reached over and stole a hush puppy off Clint’s plate.
“This means war,” Clint teased. “Those are my favorite.”
“Oops?” August replied as if it was a question, making it clear he didn’t regret it at all. “You mentioned your brother. How is he?”
“Good. He left after high school. Went to college and then med school. He’s a pediatrician. His wife is a doctor too. She’s a pulmonologist. They have twin girls—Ruby and Rose. They’re great. They live in Chelsea since both of them practice there.”
“That’s amazing. Good for him. You two still close?”
“Yep. We don’t always see each other every week. Life gets in the way, but we’re close, especially since our parents died.” It still hurt, but saying those words wasn’t as painful as it used to be.
“Shit. I feel like an asshole. I had no idea. We’re always talking about me when we’re together. What happened?”
Clint took a drink. “It’s okay. It’s been a while. Mom went first. Cancer. Dad had a heart attack a few years later. They were both fairly young. Makes you realize how short life is, ya know?” It wasn’t something Clint had realized all at once. Hell, he wasn’t sure it had all clicked into place until recently, but his parents being gone and now August being back in his life did remind him how quickly things could change, how fleeting their time on earth really was.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” August reached over, grabbed Clint’s hand, and squeezed it. “I wish I could have been there for you.”
“How could you have known? Plus, you’re here now, so you can make up for it.” Clint winked so August knew he was being playful.
“I’ll do that.”
Too soon, they were finished, and August said, “I should head back and grab Reese. His class is almost over.”
It was a reminder that their lives were different. August was responsible for another person, while Clint wasn’t responsible for anyone at all. Why was that bothering him so much now? “Yeah, of course.”
August called the waitress over for the bill. He paid, and the two of them headed out together. “I got ahold of a therapist Reese is going to start seeing. That’s probably something I should have done earlier.”
“Cut yourself some slack. You’re only human. Not every parent would be doing it even now. I hope it helps.”
“Me too.” August pointed to the left. “I walked.”
“I’m parked that way.” Clint nodded toward the right.
They stood just like they did when they said goodbye at the creek. August licked his lips—not in a way that looked like he was trying to turn Clint on, but it did.
“I should go,” August said softly.
“See you Friday.”
August stepped around him, and Clint stood there watching him until he turned around the corner. Then he went to his house and headed to the workshop alone. That had never bothered him as much as it did now.