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“No way, I save that shit just for you!”
“So, I hear you're moving back home.”
I shake my head; word travels fast. “How in the hell did you hear about those rumors? Surely you’re not privy to idol gossip or buy into that ole nonsense.”
“It’s all over the place; that’s what happens when you’re from a small town and you’re a big shot lawyer in a big city.”
“Right, I wasn’t thinking clearly.” I mutter, not feeling the ‘rumor mill’ of a small town. “Please tell me there’s not going to be a “welcome home” parade.”
“You wish.” He chortles. “So, when in the hell can I expect you, asshat?”
“Sometime tomorrow, I need to finish packing and make arrangements for once I’m there.” I lean my head from side to side, stretching my neck and hoping to release some built-up tension in my shoulders.
“You’re staying at the house, right? The renovations are finished, and it has everything you need except food.” He pauses. “Unless you have an issue with the new neighbor.”
“Why would I?” My brows knit, knowing he’s not telling me something or he has something up his sleeve.
“Kids,” Raith grumbles. “There are two next door now.”
“Since when do the neighbors have kids?” I grew up in this house, and our next-door neighbors had two children: one of whom has been my best friend since leaving the womb and is on the phone with me now.
“They sold it; we haven’t had time to catch up since you were last here, and a lot has changed.” His voice breaks, mentioning our dad, and so does my heart.
“I know, and I’m sorry about that; it's been a long time since I've been home to stay for a visit.” I tighten my jaw, not wanting him to know how much this trip is bothering me.
“I'm damn happy to have you back, even for a few days.” Raith lowers his voice on the last few words. “By the way, the weather is gonna be perfect for a cookout; I hope you packed your appetite.”
“Fine, you’ve got me.” I glance at the clock on the console, it's late, and I have a million things left to do tonight when I get home. “It's a date.”
“Umm, I’m not sure my wife would approve, but you can come to hang out with us.” Raith thinks he’s funny, but I’m hilarious.
“Oh, yeah.” I swallow hard, making a little unwanted noise. “Haven’s a helluva sweet treat; I can hang all night with her.”
“Fuck you, you’re uninvited.” He grumbles.
“Haven wouldn’t agree.”
Raith growls, “I will bust you in your nads, dude.”
“I swear, your mom dropped you on your head when you were little,” I grunt, and Raith roars in laughter.
“Just admit it, you love me, and you know it.”
I shake my head. “You're still an asshole.”
“How dare you! I am offended, fucker.” He laughs even louder.
“I'm headed home; I'll text you when I'm on the way.”
“Sounds good, and Griggs,” Raith releases a low breath. “If you need anything, I got you.”
I swallow past the knot in my throat as dread fills my gut. “Thanks, Raith.”
“No problem, and don’t forget it.” He ends the call as I run my knuckles over my cheek, composing myself for now.
It doesn’t take long before I walk through my door, happy to be home. After changing, I grab a beer and start packing. The place is too quiet, so I flip the television on for background noise, and every channel’s airing details about the suit we finalized yesterday.
“I’d hate to think what it would’ve been like had it not gone in my favor. This is exactly why I wanted to finish it; people will be scurrying for the details of the sealed documents.” I growl and continue to pack.
