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“The four of us.”
Jay shook his head. “I love how naive you can be sometimes.”
“How am I naive?”
“You still think Chris wants to hang out with us. He made it to the big leagues, man. Now he’s sitting up there with the rest of his kind while we’re here at Henry’s—which is apparently simple and rugged.”
I finished my drink and leaned back, not liking the thoughts Jay was planting in my head. “You don’t have him figured out as well as you think,” I said.
“Could be, but perhaps I have him figured out better thanyouthink.”
“People grow apart. And even without Chris, the three of us should still get together.”
“You know, buddy, you haven’t been all that outgoing in the last few months.”
I nodded. “True, but I am now. Is it too late?”
“Fuck no! Let’s do it. Go crazy.”
I chuckled. “Easy there, tiger, you’re still on probation.”
He growled. “Don’t remind me.”
He had been in prison for around a year after stupidly getting involved with importing electronics under the radar. It wouldn’t have been a big deal if he had been using those goods himself, but since he was selling them out to small shops and also online, that was a problem.
“You’re staying out of trouble?” I tried to keep my voice light.
“You know, I wasn’t exactly a world-class criminal before shit went down.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Sorry.”
“I’m keeping myself out of trouble, yes. Mostly fixing cars at my brother’s garage and having lucky ladies howl my name.”
I laughed and shook my head. “Lord have mercy on those poor souls.”
“And how about you in the female department?”
I twisted my lips. “I’m out of the game for now.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
“Because you’re delivering packages?”
“And live in a crappy apartment I can barely afford.”
“You’re talking crap.” Jay pointed at me like an angry parent. “Don’t let your self-esteem dip too low or you won’t be able to pull it back up. You hear me?”
“Yes, you’re rather loud.” Yet the place was still mostly empty, so it didn’t matter.
We kept chatting for another hour, an effortless conversation like the thousands we had before. When I glanced at my watch and caught the time, I said, “I better head off. Let’s meet with Anthony soon, and I’ll try to invite Chris.”
Something dark flashed in Jay’s eyes. I could picture him using that look in prison to finish arguments. “Already told you—he won’t be interested. Anyway, are you two doing something for his birthday?”
“Huh?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Tomorrow’s his birthday. The big three zero.”
