Page 11 of Colin

When he looked up at me, I knew it had to be bad. “Bobby. He’s, uh, he’s taken a turn for the worse. He…he can’t stay at the hospital anymore. Hospice is arranging to move him here. Tomorrow.”

“Oh. Okay.” I felt like a shitbag. He was dying, and I was complaining. Over what? “You need to go to bed, Uncle. You need your rest. I’ll be out of here. It’s okay. Let me call Andy.”

Of course, Andy answered right away. He probably hadn’t even made it out of the neighborhood. “What’s up, Buttercup? Did you get locked out or something?”

“Uh, no, but…Bobby’s coming a lot earlier than expected. Can I, can I…”

“Crash at my place?”

“Yeah? Can I crash there? On the couch or something?” Their couch was admittedly not too comfortable, and their living room, hell, the entire apartment, was tiny. Andy had his own room, but it wasn’t more than a closet. “Just until I figure out what I’m going to do.”

“Sure, man, pack a bag. I’m on my way back.”

Chapter four

Rourke

I couldn’t believe I walked away from Colin like that in the club. Granted, I was already pissy because I hadn’t wanted to go and let a friend talk me into it. Maybe not even a great friend, but I wanted to get out of the house. The construction was almost finished, but it was still entirely too chaotic. I wanted it done before Christmas, though I didn’t know why. It wasn’t like I would be doing anything special. I’d call the family up north, but that was it. Damn, I was pathetic.

Regardless, I couldn’t leave things with Colin like that, thinking I was a total jerk. I wasn’t even sure why I cared so much, but I liked him. He was sweet. Maybe not innocent, but perhaps naïve. At least for some things. And it seemed like he was trying to find someone to solve his problems. He had to figure that out on his own, but I could help. Or at least go out with him.Daddy-instincts engage!

I was ridiculous. But later that next morning, I called around to find his number. Which was next to impossible. Nobody knew who he was. Except Vic, but I wasn’t calling that douche. So, I did the next best thing. I called Braxton. Afterglow was closed for remodeling, but I’d bet money he had Andy’s number along with his other regulars.

“Oh, yeah. Andy’s not a member, but he’s around a lot. I know who he is.”

“I figured you would. I’d appreciate his phone number. I’m trying to get a hold of a friend of his.”

“Sure. Phone numbers are okay to release. I’ll text it to you. It’ll take me a minute or two to dig it up.”

“Thanks, Braxton.”

“No problem. But I expect to see you when Afterglow reopens!”

“Absolutely.” That would be an event to attend for sure. “Looking forward to it.” Braxton had lined up a few new investors to make the necessary changes to the club. And I think it helped him a lot, emotionally too. He actually sounded happy for a change. I was glad to hear that.

But I was happier when the text came through, and I immediately called Andy.

“Hello?” He sounded confused.

“This is Rourke. Rourke Lazarus.”

“Oh! Rourke. Wh-What are you calling me for? You sure you’re calling the right Andy? This is Andy Drake?”

“Is this the Andy with the cute friend, Colin Turtle?”

“Uh…yeah. It is?” He sounded unsure.

“I want to get a hold of Colin. I didn’t like how I left things at the club last night.”

“Club? Last night?” Now, he sounded completely confused.

“You did go to the Underground with Colin last night, didn’t you?”

“Uh…yes, sir. But, but, I, uh, didn’t knowyouwere there.”

Andy sometimes subbed for people. Some I knew. He was well-liked in the community, though I personally thought he could be overdramatic. Also, if he didn’t know I was there, it meant Colin hadn’t told him. And I felt bad for that. “Yes. I was. And I wasn’t very nice to our boy. So. You going to give me his number?”

“Yes, sir. But he’s at work. I gave him an extra shift today.”

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