Page 159 of Deliverance

“Seriously?” The bottle feels heavy and expensive, an obvious reminder of our old tour days and something in me stirs.

I don’t have a name for this feeling yet, but it leaps and surges, filling me up from head to toe.

“You good, man?” Justice steps closer and snatches the cognac from me, then, with a swift motion of his fingers, he handles the cap and pours the amber-colored liquid into the tulip-shaped glasses.

“Your wife know you’re sneaking to drink booze?”

He grins. “I’m sure she does.”

“How’s she doing?”

“She’s great.” Justice brings the drink to his mouth and swirls it before taking a sip. “There are bad days and good days, but we’re managing.”

“How are you doing?”

He crosses the study and flops into an office chair behind a massive mahogany desk, ankle propped on his knee, socked foot dangling in the air. “I’m happy, brother.” There’s a short pause. “My kids are healthy and safe. What more do I need?”

“Music.”

“Music’s still there.” Justice places his hand over his chest. “It’s not going anywhere. It’s changed, but we all do.”

“Yep. You’re right. We all do.”

“Speaking of music. I’m working on something. Wanted to play you a couple of demos later on if you’re game.”

“Sure. I’m always happy to share my professional opinion.”

“After dessert then.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Hey, how come you didn’t tell me about you and Drew?”

I drop my gaze to the glass in my hand and sniff the liquid. It smells of wild memories and nostalgia.

When I fail to give my friend an answer, he goes on, this time his tone severe. “Don’t fuck it up, Zander.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Drew’s the real deal.” His gray stare is unwavering. “She’s also Hazel’s friend. If you screw this up, things will get messy.”

I bring the drink to my mouth and give the overpriced cognac a taste. It flows down my throat smoothly, its warmth, pleasant and velvety, hits home. “Trust me, the last thing I want is to screw this up.” A bitter laugh escapes me. “I like Drew. A lot.” Saying that out loud in front of my best friend nearly makes me shiver. Confessing to things that are not very typical of me is a brand-new sensation.

“Good.” A nod. “You need a woman in your life.”

“Says the expert?”

“Exactly.”

I take another sip and settle in the chair across from him, wondering how much Justice actually knows about Drew’s problems with her ex. “She just snuck up on me. It all happened so fast.”

“They always do.” Justice tilts his head to the side, his face thoughtful. “You don’t see it coming. Ever.”

“I know this is going to sound stupid.” My voice turns to whisper. “But I’m afraid that after she leaves, it’ll be the end of us.”

“Are you talking about that tour she’s been getting ready for?”

“Yep.”

Justice smiles at me, all his perfect white teeth on display. “The only advice I have is this: If your relationship stands the test of long distance, then you should definitely look no further.” He samples a bit more cognac and sets the glass on the desk, then fiddles with his wedding band.

“How do I know she’s the one?” I ask quietly.

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