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I lean into the bar on my forearms after pushing up the sleeves of my black sweater. Where the fuck do I even begin to wrap my mind around this?
“Hey, Troy.” I hit the break on my thoughts and look to my left where I find Marcus standing. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. His dark brown hair is tied back into a small bun, his facial hair thick in a way every man would envy. He’s always been the complete opposite of me, evident by his tight gray jeans and his black v-neck.
“Marcus, hey. Long time.”
“Yeah. So, I’m going to cut to the chase. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard about the offer Tony made you.” It wouldn’t have occurred to me that Marcus knows Tony, but I do know he and Dean frequent this bar too, so it makes sense that he would.
“Oh yeah?” I’m used to being able to read people, so it’s weird that I haven’t seen the direction of any of my conversations tonight.
“I’d like to offer up a partnership. If you’re interested.”
“I mean, I’m definitely considering it, but I don’t have the funding. And I can’t imagine a bank loaning a 22 year old whatever amount I’d need to buy this place. That’s my first issue.”
“Yeah, I could take care of that.”
Who the hell has that kind of money? Especially at our age. “You have enough money to buy a bar? How?”
“Let’s just say I’m willing and capable of discussing the investment in this bar and you.”
“Wow, okay. Are you thinking more along the lines of running this place together or being a silent partner?”
“I’d be interested in helping out with operations.”
“Fuck.” I shake my head, I’m getting way too far ahead of myself. “I don’t know about this.”
“What’s your second issue?”
“A girl.” I correct myself. “Notagirl,thegirl.” How I already know that is beyond me, but I’m certain.
“Ahhh. That I can’t help with. How about this? Let’s get all the numbers from Tony, you talk things over with your girl, and we can go from there?”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I tell him even though I have zero idea how to bring this up to Lexy, or if I even should.
“Great. Hey, Jess.” Marcus catches her attention as she walks past us, ordering us each a glass of bourbon.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
LEXY
“Areyoupacked?”Iask Mack, my feet dangling, as we sit on the cement block wall that separates the boardwalk from the beach.
“Yup. I ended up selling almost everything. I want new stuff anyway. Everything reminds me of Maci.”
“Are you trying to get over her?” I deflate at the thought but try not to show it.
He laughs like it’s a dumb question. “You and I both know that’s not happening. I’m just trying not to think about it. I have to make choices I’ll be happy with regardless of what she decides. If we do get back together, I’d rather get new things and make new memories anyway.”
“Makes sense. Do you already have a place to live?”
“Not yet. I’m staying with my sister and her fiancé. They are letting me crash with them until the school year and my new job start.”
“What are you going to do until then?”
“I still have a few more shows to play on the road, so I’ll be gone part of the time. I’m also going to help remodel Avery and Miller’s house.”
“Then once you’re finished touring, you’ll get your own place?”
“That’s the plan.”
