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Standing, I exhale slowly. “It’s done, Patton. I can’t do this anymore. Not physically, not mentally…”
“Is this about your back? We’ll get you the best physical therapy, a standing desk, whatever you need. Charge it to the firm.”
“It’s not about that.” Going to the window, I pick up a framed photo of the four of us in Mexico. We look so fucking young. “You don’t need me, brother. And I’ve got to see if there’s any chance…”
“Is this about Noel?”
I glance over my shoulder, and I don’t have to tell him yes. Setting the photo down again, I reach out to shake his hand. “I’m sorry, Patton.”
Several seconds pass. His frown-game is solid, but I guess he sees something in my eyes—the truth. I’m already gone.
With a deep exhale, he begrudgingly shakes my hand, and I know he’s going to be fine. Raquel is sharp as a tack, and she cares way more about this job than I ever did.
Before I leave, I consider trading in my Tahoe for a pickup, but I don’t want to lose any more time. I’m four hours into the drive, somewhere between Memphis and Little Rock when my phone rings in the car.
Remington Key appears on the dash, and I tap the answer button on my steering wheel. “Remi, what’s up?”
“What’s this I hear about you leaving Fletcher?” The friendly voice of our young investment partner fills the cab.
Remi and I got to be friends after he and his partner Stephen Hastings put up the seed money to take Patton’s company global. He’s a Navy guy, and we clicked. We’re both far more laid-back than our no-nonsense business partners.
“I’m headed south. Going to see if there’s more to life than the grind.”
“And leaving me alone with Stephen and Patton. They might kill each other. Or spontaneously combust.”
I chuckle at the thought. “I bet they work it out—and you’ll like Raquel. She’ll keep Patton on his toes.”
“Already met her. Already like her. Now tell me what’s behind this desertion?”
He’s got me on the spot. I’ve only thought a
bout this in my head, and saying it out loud makes me feel self-conscious.
“I’ve made too many bad memories in Nashville.” My eyes travel along the road ahead, and my mind fills with images of soft arms, silky hair, pillow kisses, all the things I had that summer. “I’m hoping there’s still something better for me down here.”
It’s a fucking longshot, but I’m taking it.
“Down on the farm?”
“It’s an orchard, but yeah.”
He’s quiet a beat. Still, Remi’s easy. “Can’t say I blame you. It’s beautiful there.”
“I didn’t know you knew the place.”
“Patton showed me some investment property on Lake D’Arbonne. While we were there, we stopped in to see your Marine buddy.”
“Sawyer. He’s a good man.”
“He is, and his little niece is a show stopper. I was homesick for my girls, but she kept me busy.”
“Niece?” My stomach tightens. “I don’t know her…”
“His sister Noel’s little girl? She must be six now.”
My chest is on fire, and I notice I’ve accelerated to ninety. Easing off the gas, I realize I’m not even listening to my friend as my mind races through all the possibilities. Digger? The thought makes want to pull over and retch. Or punch the lights out of somebody.
I tune in and realize Remi’s signing off. “…wish you the best, my friend.”
