Page 186 of Ready to Cash Out

As the hours ticked by, Trev wondered where Cold was. He hadn’t seen him since they’d gotten home. He scanned the crowd to find Rowena, waving to get her attention. “Hey!”

Rowena had a sway in her hips as she approached. “Hi, sweetie! Everything okay? You get enough to eat?”

“Yeah, and then some.” Trev laughed, patting his stomach. “Another bite and I’m pretty sure I’ll pop my zipper.”

“Aw, are you sure?”

“Yeah, totally. I was just wondering where Roddy is at? Is he not coming down for the party?”

“Oh, he’s here. He’s upstairs.” Rowena snorted. “Jimmy said he might come down later, but who the fuck knows.”

Trev stood. “I’m gonna go talk to him.”

Rowena blinked in surprise. “Seriously? Usually it’s best to just let him… you know. Brood or whatever he does.”

“It won’t take long.” Trev leaned over to kiss Jupiter.

“Want me to come with you?” Jupiter asked.

“No, it’s okay.” Trev gave Jupiter’s shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll be back before you know it. We still gotta pack.”

“Pack?” Rowena echoed.

“Yeah, we’re leaving tomorrow.”

“You mean Monday.”

“Uh, no.” Trev chuckled. “I agreed to stay for the party, but?—”

“Maybe next Monday?” Rowena batted her eyes.

“I’m going to go talk to Cold.” Trev wagged his finger at Jupiter. “Do not let her talk you into staying. We have a beach to get to. A beach where I am planning to have a lot of sex with you. But only if we go.”

Jupiter’s eyes twinkled and he nodded firmly. “You got it, baby doll.”

Trev headed inside, and he was not surprised when he glanced back and saw Rowena had swiped his seat to talk to Jupiter.

Whatever.

A few more days might not be so bad.

Trev chuckled to himself as he walked up to Cold’s room, expecting to find the door shut so he’d have to knock. He was surprised to find it not only open, but also to hear music playing.

“Cold?” Trev called out as he cautiously walked in.

“In here,” Cold replied.

Cold was seated on his ratty couch, looking at the framed photographs on the wall. A record was playing a jazzy cover of a Patsy Cline song, but Trev couldn’t remember the name of it. Trev didn’t recognize the singer either, but she had a lovely voice.

Trev approached, listening quietly.

Gaze not leaving the photos, Cold nodded toward the record player and said, “My mother.”

“Singing? Wow.” Trev smiled. “My mom always said she was a great singer.”

“She was.” Cold took a small sip from his glass. “You’re quite talented too.”

“Duh. But please. Tell me more.” Trev sat on the couch next to him.

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