“During your bitchfest, do you two talk about you and Dial?”
Oz leaned into the booth. “There is no me and Dial.”
“But you’d like there to be.”
“We all make choices Fancy and Dial made hers.”
“I’m just going to say this. I know she’s your baby momma, but she’s a lot to deal with.”
“Dial’s always been a lot. That’s what I love about her. She’s like a cat. One minute she’s sweetly purring and the next she’s trying to claw your eyes out.”
My brows climbed my forehead. “And you like that?”
“Damn skippy.” He tipped his cowboy hat.
“So you’re not dating anyone right now?”
“Nope, too busy with work and Maple.”
“You’re never too busy for love.”
Oz snapped his finger. “That sounds like a country song.”
The music changed to a Teddy Swims’ song and a familiar deep voice started singing along. I turned in my seat to witness Edison behind the microphone. This was no surprise. Edisonhad one of the most harmonious voices in Hume, shit in all of Tennessee. Remember what I said about talent and luck? There were hundreds of regular, everyday citizens that could sing circles around your favorite artist. They were just unlucky or unwilling to take a chance.
Edison’s voice was the sexiest thing about him and that was saying a lot because he was so fine, he had good looks to spare. And the patrons in The Tipsy Owl agreed. The loud voices from moments ago were now faint whispers. I could listen to his voice for hours and at one point in time, I did.
“Earth to Fancy?”
“What?” I swung back around to find Ozzie smiling at me. “If you don’t wipe that grin off your face.”
“I think he’s single.”
I sputtered, “What … why would I care about something like that?”
“You are an amazing singer, but when it comes to lying, you suck.”
“Edison’s my friend.”
“Oh yeah when’s the last time you called, texted, or emailed your friend?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Edison Birch is the simplest creature on this planet. He loves his momma, plants, and God.”
“What am I supposed to call him and discuss the goings on in Hollywood? He doesn’t give a shit about that.” The crowd cheered as Edison exited the stage and I practically branded him with my eyes only turning away when I lost sight of him.
Ozzie drummed his fingers on the table. “I could go for another round. How about you?”
“That would be great.”
Oz made his way to the bar while I tried to disappear in my booth. Hume would always be home, but on nights like this Ifelt like an outsider. My friends had gone on living and making memories without me. I’d missed weddings, baby showers, and housewarming parties. There were inside jokes I wasn’t a part of. They say you can always come home again, but maybe sometimes you can be away for too long. I sorted through the bowl of Chex Mix, selecting only rye crackers and popping them in my mouth.
“One ice cold Pilsner.” I looked up to find Edison towering over me. “Oz asked me to run this over to you.”
“Thank you. So I see you’re still the karaoke king.”
He dipped his head. “I don’t know about all that.” Edison had always been modest, but he had cause to brag. His flawless skin, enviable smile, and his deep raspy voice which was slightly lighter when he sung. And then there were the countless other reasons that made him top contender for God’s favorite child.
