Page 52 of About That Night

“I’m not trying to talk you out of doing the right thing. But if you like Chastity, I don’t see why you can’t make a play for her yourself.”

“You’re not listening to me at all. All I can offer Chastity is friendship,” I say, frustrated with my brother. “And orgasms.”

My brother pauses with his glass halfway to his mouth. “That seems like a good foundation for a relationship to me.”

But she doesn’t want it. I don’t think. No, she doesn’t. I’m positive. She told me that. She didn’t want to have sex with me, and she went on a dating app. What more do I need to know than that?

“Yeah, I’ll take the single guy’s advice, thanks.”

Conway takes my ribbing well.

“It’s not advice. We’re just talking.”

“Talk less. Wash more.” I gesture to the pile of dishes still stacked in my sink.

“You’re turning into our mother.”

I laugh. “Oh, that’s cold, brother.”

“That’s because you’re the most like her out of all of us. Even more than Patsy or Faith. So I want you to think to yourself, WWMD? What would Mama do?”

“Are you drunk?” I ask him in astonishment, throwing an arm around my brother and giving him a shake. “I think you’re drunk.”

Conway lets me rock him back and forth. “I think getting struck by lightning was the best thing that ever happened to me. I see things more clearly now. You be you, man. I think you’re pretty fucking awesome, that’s all.”

Whether my brother is drunk or enlightened, I have to admit I’m touched. “Thanks, brother. You’re awesome too. I love you.”

“Now you’re going too far.” He shakes me off with a grin.

Or maybe we’re not going far enough. I’m not really sure.

“Let’s do a shot and drunk text Chastity and Rachel.”

I’m kidding, of course. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been.

Conway snorts.

“Not even you are that stupid.”

“I’m not. Trust me. I’m not going to mess this up.”

Chapter Fifteen

Hank

Chastity is standing on the zip-line platform over the swamp with her eyes screwed shut. She’s making little sounds of distress.

For once, I’m not focused on her body, even though that harness is cupping her in all the right places. I want her to understand that she doesn’t need to hold back anymore. She can allow herself to have fun.

“Hank, I can’t do this.”

“Yes, you can. I know you’re afraid. It’s okay to feel fear, but you don’t want to let it control you.”

“It has complete control over me. One hundred percent control over me.”

“I’m going to touch you,” I warn you. “Don’t jump out of your skin when I do. It’s not an insect, it’s just my hand. I’m going to touch your shoulder.”

She opens one eye to peer at me. “You know me well.”

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