Page 68 of Joey

“Good. Are you there now?”

Ethan sighed. “Yeah. I’ve just dropped onto my sofa.”

“Have a nap and then visit your parents. Don’t do it while you’re tired.”

Ethan yawned. “I think you’re right. Did you get the job done?”

He wandered over to the window and looked out at the garden, slowly filling with people attending the barbecue. “I did. Not long ago, actually.”

“Ah. You’re heading for Cardiff soon, then?”

“No, actually.” He chuckled. “I’ve been browbeaten into staying for dinner.”

“I heard that, young man!” Merry shouted.

Joey laughed again. “Sorry, Ryker’s wife just reprimanded me.”

“Ryker?”

“My client. I’ll explain later.” Ethan yawned again. “Okay, get some sleep, and call me later.”

“Let me know when you leave there and arrive in Cardiff.”

“I will.”

“Love you.” Ethan sounded like he was already dozing off.

“Love you more.”

There was no response, so Joey ended the call and hoped Ethan would sleep long enough. He set his alarm to go off in two hours so he could call Ethan and wake him if he wasn’t already. He wouldn’t want to sleep through the visit to his parents.

“You’re so in love with him; it’s beautiful,” Merry said, slipping in beside him.

“I truly am. He’s the best part of me.”

Merry slapped the back of his head. “No, he’s not. You’re the best part of you. He’s the best part of him. Together, you’re perfection.”

“You’ve not seen him.”

“I don’t need to. I can see it in you. If he’s as good as your expression tells me, he’s perfect for you.”

“When did you get so sappy?”

Merry slapped him again. “I’m not. I’m a realist.”

Joey chuckled and followed her out to the back garden. This was a place where he didn’t have to worry about reporters. The club didn’t allow them into their private houses or on their land. Something they had decided upon way before Joey came into the picture. Meeting some other members that he’d not seen for a while was a boon he hadn’t expected. The hours passed, and barring the phone call he made to Ethan to make sure he was awake—he had been—he forgot about everything happening back home. It was nice to relax in a different way from how he did with Ethan, though that idea brought many pleasurable images into his mind.

“Stop thinking about him,” Merry teased as she passed.

Joey shook his head and smiled. “Can’t help it.” He checked his watch. “I really must be going now. Thanks for having me.”

Ryker waved him away. “You’re always welcome. You know that. Next time, bring Ethan.”

“I plan to.”

He shook hands with several of them, hugged Merry and aimed his car towards his next destination after sending Ethan an update. When he finally arrived at Cardiff, it was just before eleven that night, and he was exhausted, but once he’d settled into his room, he sent a message to Ethan to see if he was still awake. The phone rang seconds later.

“Hey, you.”

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