Page 34 of Sweet

“How about you?”

“Well… it’s been about six for me. I always knew what I wanted to do, ever since I was a kid. First chance I got to make it happen… I did.”

“Huh. I always thought you were local,” I say.

“I grew up somewhere a lot like this place. Small-town guy from the start. Not like you.”

“What do you mean, not like me?”

Bailey rolls his lips inward and bites back a smile.

“Oh, I get it. Openly gay guy with tattoosmustcome from the big city.”

“No,” he chuckles. “It’s, um… yourR’s.”

“Are you implying I’m a pirate now?”

Bailey finally gives in to laughter. “You pronounce yourR’s. Out here, the only time we’re not droppingR’sfrom a word, it’s to put one where it doesn’t belong.”

Interesting. I suppose I’ve been around the rural accent for so long that I don’t even really hear it anymore. Before I can ask more, I see lights approaching and the tow truck turns off the road to park. Bailey hops out to go ahead and deal with that while I fiddle with the radio, then get out my phone. I’m about to message Cas when I see he sent one while I was at work.

Orchid Mantis:I’m sure I sound like a hypocrite, but I have no idea when I’m getting home, and I don’t want to disappoint you if I don’t take your call.

I look up, and Bailey’s still talking with the guy from the towing company. He looks so adorable, with his hands stuffed in the front pocket of my baggy sweatshirt. Not that he’s significantly smaller, but I like my sweatshirts oversized, so what’s loose on me almost swallows him. Bailey and the tow truck driver both walk to the other side of the truck, where I can’t see. Looks like I have time to respond.

Purple Puppy:Hot date?

Orchid Mantis:Of course.

And a wink. Fucking tease.

Orchid Mantis:Just got caught up somewhere with a friend. Don’t know how long I’ll be.

Purple Puppy:Ironically, I was just about to message you that I’m helping out a guy I know and I still have to bring him home after this. I won’t be calling at the usual time, anyway.

Orchid Mantis:And now you won’t bother?

Purple Puppy:I assumed you’d need sleep, but I can blow up your phone every five minutes until you answer, if you prefer. You know. Once you’re not busy with yourfriend.

Orchid Mantis:Smartass.

Purple Puppy:You love it.

Orchid Mantis:I’ve got to run. Don’t be surprised if I don’t answer. I won’t be offended if you don’t get a chance to call.

Orchid Mantis:And enjoy your hot date.

Purple Puppy:I thought you were the one on a hot date. I’m actually helping out a friend.

Orchid Mantis:Sure you are.

Orchid Mantis:Friendly sex, only. As friends. I know how you operate.

I close my phone and look up in time to see Bailey walking to my car while the tow truck leaves with his pickup. He opens the door and climbs back into the passenger seat, then shoots me a small smile.

After I start the car and pull out toward the road, Bailey becomes visibly uncomfortable. “Where are you going?”

“Uh… bringing you home…?”

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