Page 40 of All of Me

I sit down beside her, leaning back with a sigh. “Yeah, I think so. Vince is going through a lot, though. He’s having a hard time with this breakup from Zoe. They’ve been off and on before, but I think he’s finally done for good.”

Her smile fades, replaced with a look of concern. “I figured something was wrong. How’s he holding up?”

“Better now, I think,” I say. “But it’s been a long time coming, and he’s worried about how it’s going to affect his daughter. I don’t think he’s had a minute to just breathe in years. They’ve been together for a long time and it’s been toxic for as long as I can remember.”

“It certainly seems that way.”

“I was thinking,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck, “maybe I could take him out for a guys’ night. Get him out of his own head for a bit. I thought about taking him toBlack N’ Gold.We haven’t gone since before I moved here to Hawkridge with you.”

Her eyes light up with approval. “I think that’s a great idea. He could definitely use it.”

“Yeah,” I agree, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. “I just don’t know if he’ll go for it. He’s not exactly in the best headspace right now.”

Callie reaches out and rests a hand on my arm. “If anyone can convince him, it’s you. Invite Luke and Will along to take some of the pressure off. Maybe it will be easier for Vince to unwind if it’s a group thing.”

I grin, nodding. “Good idea. Luke’s always up for a night out and Will could probably use a break too. Work has been kicking our asses lately.”

Pulling out my phone, I fire off a quick group text with the guys:

Me:

Guys, thinking about a night out. Dinner, beers, nothing crazy. Vince needs some time to unwind. Everyone in?

Luke responds almost immediately:

Luke:

Hell yes. Count me in. Vince, I’ve got your back. First beer’s on me. Hope you’re okay, whatever it is.

Vince:

Appreciate it, but I’m not sure I’m in the mood for going out.

Will:

You should come, Vince. It’s low-key. Just a chance to relax. I’m not sure what’s going on but we are here for you.

Vince:

Unless you guys have a solution for a quick fix after breaking off a long-term relationship, I don’t know if there’s anything that can really be done right now.

Will:

If you give it a shot and you’re not up for it, we can call it an early night. And if Luke gets out of hand, we’ll collectively ignore him.

Luke:

Rude. I’m a delight.

Vince:

A delight who once convinced me to try ordering off the kids’ menu because “chicken nuggets are the answer to all of life’s problems.”

Luke:

They are the answer. In fact, they will probably cure your heartache right now.

Will:

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