Page 79 of Mic Drop

For the first time since Jenna left, I enjoy the bubbles sliding down my throat. I even pick up my silverware and eat off my plate. I don’t clear it, but make more of a dent than over the past few days.

After we clean up, we return outside and Luke lights a fire pit.We stare into the flames and drink more beer, keeping all my marital problems at bay for the time being. Tomorrow, we’ll tackle them. Tonight’s for being with my...friend.

I wake to the sun streaming through my window and birds chirping outside. If only my outlook was as positive as nature. I shower, mindlessly watching water droplets wind their way through the dips between my muscles. The same muscles Jenna used to lick. My cock bobs at the memories, but I tamp him down. This time, though, instead of admonishing him he won’t get any ever again, I find myself switching up the mantra to “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Bounding down the stairs, I find Luke in the kitchen and bacon wafting from the stove. “Smells mighty good in here.”

“Thanks, B. Sleep all right?”

I consider his question. “You know, for the first time since, well, I did. Still haven’t decided on a course of action to get Jenna back, but it feels like I will. I’m going to win my wife back.”

He slaps me on the back. “Glad to hear it.”

An idea forms. “Starting right now.” I pick up my phone and dial the florist I used when I sent daily flowers to her at her mother’s house. Was that only a few weeks ago? When the clerk answers, I put in my order.

“I’d like to send daily flowers to Jenna Westfield, er, Hardy. I want to cycle through your more exotic collection, anything but roses.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Hardy. How would you like the cards signed?”

Shit. When I sent them before, I always included a special message. I need to do even better now. “I’d like to have song lyrics from Untamed Coaster songs on all the cards. I have your email address and will send you at least thirty cards’ worth when we hang up.”

“Sounds good. One final question, where should we send them?”

My mind halts its rolodex of UC’s songs at the question. Where should I send the flowers? I go with my gut. “To her house.” Not mine. Yet.

“You got it. I’ll be on the lookout for your email.”

After we hang up, I open a blank email and start tapping out UC lyrics. To our first song. To our first number one. To our most recent number one. To our wedding song.

Luke brings over two plates piled high with breakfast. “Looks like someone’s been busy.” He sits next to me at the island.

“Yeah. I’m going to start my campaign with flowers, but they’re the easy part.” I shovel scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon into my mouth without thought. What else can I do?

“Sounds like a good start.” He chows down on his own breakfast.

“I need to get to Lissa and Michelle. I can’t believe they’re accusing Jenna of harboring a prostitution ring at her clinics. It’s grotesque.”

“They sure are. You know how to pick ‘em.”

I pause mid-forkful. “I only met Michelle because of Jenna. As for Lissa, well, I was in high school, what can I say? She was different back then.” I place the food-laden fork into my mouth. “Besides, my hormones were in charge.”

He chuckles around a piece of bacon. “We both know that no one should try to get between you and your hormones.”

I whack him in the gut. “Back then, I wasn’t getting any—other than from my right hand.”

He rubs his stomach. “Must’ve been getting quite the workout.”

Squinting at my friend, I finish the food on my plate. “Not as much as yours, I’d wager.” I’ve seen Luke hook up with plenty of women on tour, but never the plasticky ones like Lissa is today. Usually he chooses the more low key, down-home-type chicks. For the first time, I wonder about his love life. “Do you have a special lady you keep hidden from us?”

“Me?”

He looks surprised I asked about his love life and I give myself a swat on the ass. Have I, and the rest of UC, been oblivious to his needs?

When I motion for him to continue, he chews his food thenplaces his fork down on the plate. “I’m not dating anyone at the moment. It’s too hard with all the touring UC does.”

“But,” I prompt.

“I hope to meet her someday. Finding a partner who loves this life as much as I do, though, is a tall ask. We’ll see. Besides, we’re here to talk about you.” He cracks his knuckles.

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