Page 145 of The Manny

“Right.” I studied him. “You still have to tell Mia you’re leaving though.”

His cheerful façade slipped a little. “Yes. I’m dreading that. But I’ll visit her when I’m back. If that’s okay with you?”

“Of course.”

“On the bright side, Charity, the girl you were originally supposed to have, is all healed up. Bernice said she’s thrilled about coming to work for you.”

“Great,” I said quietly. “She seemed like a nice girl.”

“She is. Just think, if Charity hadn’t had to have emergency surgery…” His smile was strained. “You and I would never have met. I’m sure you’d have preferred that.”

“Thomas.”

He laughed. “I’m just saying, your life would have been more peaceful. You won’t butt heads with Charity like you did with me.”

I exhaled. “Believe it or not, I’ll miss you. I’ll miss… our friendship.”

“Yeah, well, there’s always more… friendship… to be had at Brannigan’s, right?” He moved to the door. “I’m going to take off now. Will you be home for dinner?”

“That’s the plan.”

“See you then.” He left the house, closing the door firmly behind him.

I shoveled my food in, feeling irritable. It wasn’t that I’d wanted Thomas to be moping around or anything, but the fact that he seemed downright cheerful with how things were did sting a little. Even I felt depressed about the situation. Was he fickle or something? He’d never struck me as that type of person, but he certainly had recovered quickly.

When I got to work, Brody was waiting outside my office door. Ever since he’d had that surprising sexual encounter with Scott, he hadn’t been himself. “Hey, boss. Do you have a minute?” he asked.

“Of course.” I unlocked my office door and we entered the small space. “Sit.” I gestured to the chair positioned in front of my desk.

He settled in the chair with a tired grunt. “Sorry to bother you first thing.”

“You’re not bothering me.” I sat down and studied him. “What’s up?”

His face was flushed and he avoided my gaze. “I need to talk to someone, but I don’t really trust anyone but you with this… situation.”

“Okay.” I suspected he was referring to what had happened between him and Scott. “Is it personal?”

“Yes.” He winced. “Very.”

“I’m surprised I’d be the one you want to talk to. You seem so tight with the other guys.”

He gritted his teeth. “We are tight, but this… this is something I’m not ready to share with them. I feel like it’s more up your alley.” He glanced up. “Plus, you’re good friends with Scott, so I’m hoping you can give me some insight.”

So it was about Scott. “I’ll do what I can.” I wasn’t sure if I should admit that I knew what had happened.

He cleared his throat. “As you know… I’m an only child.”

“Yes.”

He swallowed. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but my parents are very religious.” He grimaced. “I grew up being told that drinking and dancing were a sin.”

“Wait. I’ve seen you do both plenty of times.”

“I don’t happen to share my parent’s beliefs.” He gave a gruff laugh. “But I also try my best not to flaunt the fact I don’t agree with them.”

“That’s probably the… respectful thing to do.”

“Yes.” He twisted his hands in his lap.

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