Page 89 of Fallen Hearts

I told Parker about our talk. How we’d outlined all of the possibilities between us. “She gets where we’re at.”

“In other words, Pia’s been briefed?”

I gave him a “fuck you” look.

“What? This isn’t a military mission, Mace.”

“No shit.”

“You’ve got a lot to work out in a few weeks. Can’t say I envy you, brother.”

I thought of last night. Parker might be singing another tune if he had a woman like Pia in his bed. Her proclivity for dirty talk was matched by her enthusiasm.

“If you do go back, I can’t wait for Cole to see this new Mason,” he added.

I’d been staring at my beer bottle. Parker gave me a strange look. “What?” I asked. “There’s no new Mason.”

“Sure there is. I don’t think I’ve seen you smile this much since…” He looked up, thinking. “Ever.”

“Whatever. How about a new topic? If I do go back, no way you’re continuing the renovations without me or payment.”

“Jesus. This again? You know damn well I’m not taking your money. You’re saving me rent. And I like space.”

“You mean you like not having to listen to the women Beck brings home.”

“That too.”

“Seriously though?—”

“Stop.” Parker looked me in the eyes. “If you aren’t here, it will take longer, but the renovations will get done. I have Beck, and if I need to pay anyone to help, like when we tackle some of the bigger jobs, you can take care of that. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear another thing about it.”

When Parker took that tone, a rare stern one from him, I listened. “Fine. I’ll come back as often as possible. If it weren’t for the damned mandatory overtime, I could probably make it back every other weekend. But we’ll see how it goes.”

“Sounds like you’re leaning toward that.”

If only I really was leaning in any direction. It was a huge decision, and for once in my life, I had no idea what the fuck to do. “Who knows. What are you doing tonight?”

“No plans. Why?”

“Pia is going out with her friend Delaney. Apparently she’s introducing her to some other ladies.”

“No Pia tonight. Wow. I’m surprised.”

I was too when she told me about her plans. But I also wasn’t one of those guys who needed to be with his girlfriend twenty-four seven. Not that she was actually my girlfriend. If I went back to the city, we’d agreed we would date other people. But for now, I guess…

I shook my head. “Let’s tie one on,” I said.

“Mason on the loose. Count me in.”

Tonight, I’d forget about all of it. That Dad was never going to walk into that kitchen door again. That I’d turned down almost two million dollars. That I had a huge life decision to make and the clock was ticking.

And that not seeing Pia tonight bothered me, even when it shouldn’t.

I stood up. Took out empty beer bottles and tossed them into the trash. Not caring about the papers sprawled out all over the kitchen island, I said, “Let’s start now.”

30

PIA

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