Page 125 of Perfect Harmony

Gideon flipped him the bird before drinkingsome more beer. “I made a mistake, all right? I should never have slept withGrace.”

“Fuck that bullshit,” Preacher said. “You’vebeen in love with Grace Larken for years. You think I didn’t see how fuckinghappy you were when you two were banging? Call her and tell her you fucked up,asshole. Otherwise, this right here,” he tapped the table between them, “is yourgoddamn future. Drinking every weekend with me. Is that really what youfucking want?”

He was saved from answering by the ring ofhis cell phone. He ignored it and Preacher raised an eyebrow at him. “Yougonna answer that?”

“It’s Kira.”

“So, you’re still avoiding your sister too?Jesus, you’re determined to burn every fucking bridge with everyone who gives ashit about you, aren’t you?”

“You’re still here,” Gideon said.

“You can’t pussy out and ignore them bothforever.”

“You didn’t see the look on Kira’s face whenshe found out Grace and I slept together, and you didn’t see the look on Grace’sface when I told her that her parents would never give a fuck about her.”

“It was a pretty dick thing to say.” Preachertook another swig of beer.

“Yeah, thanks. Trust me, Grace will never speakto me again and the only reason Kira is calling is to tell me how fucking awfulI am.”

“Sitting here feeling sorry for yourself isn’tgonna help the situation.”

Gideon slammed his beer bottle down on the table.“My dog almost died, my sister is pissed at me, and the woman I love hates myfucking guts. I think I have the right to feel a little sorry for myself rightnow.”

“Your life is like a fucking country song,”Preacher said. “Add some shit about your truck breaking down and it’ll be anumber one hit.”

Gideon gaped at him before starting tolaugh. “You’re such an asshole, Preacher.”

“Fucking right I am,” Preacher said.

“I miss her,” Gideon said, the laughter dyingin his throat. “I miss her so fucking much.”

“I know, buddy.” Preacher pointed his beerbottle at him. “So, what are you gonna do about it?”

“There isn’t anything -”

The front door opened, and Tank made a softwooffrom the living room.

Tank, stay,” Gideon said automatically.The last thing he needed was Tank ripping out his staples by jumping around.

Kira walked into the kitchen and glared athim. “You can’t friggin’ ignore me forever, Gideon.”

Preacher laughed and held out his fist asKira walked by. She bumped it before plopping into the seat next to Gideon. “You’rebeing a dickhead.”

“I’m sorry,” Gideon said. “Kiddo, I’msorry for lying to you and for… for sleeping with your best friend.”

“Don’t you dare be sorry for sleeping with Grace.She loves you and you love her,” Kira said. “You should never apologize forbeing in love with someone.”

“Kira -”

“Look, I’m sorry, all right? I owe you an apologyfor Wednesday night and I really am sorry. I reacted badly and I hate that Idid, but my reaction had nothing to do with the fact that you’re in love withGracie, and more that you guys didn’t trust me to handle the idea that you’re inlove with each other. I know you still think I’m this fragile little kid who’son the verge of offing herself, but I promise, I’m better. Because of therapy,Gideon.” She tapped the table with her finger. “Therapy. Which you need.Big time.”

“She’s right,” Preacher said. “You got issues,bud.”

“Like you don’t have issues,” Gideon said.

“Don’t deflect. This isn’t about Preacher,”Kira said.

“Yeah,” Preacher said with a grin, “this isn’tabout me, Gideon.”

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