Page 12 of Needing Your Love
“That’s what Babs said.”
Dex eyed me, gaze narrowed. “Tell me you denied her the help she wanted.”
“Never returned her call, and I won’t no matter how often she cries over the phone.”
“Don’t answer either.”
“Don’t plan to,” I shot back. “Babs knows to send her straight to voicemail.”
“She keeps this shit up, you might want to consider a restraining order.”
I sipped my beer, already having decided to do that very thing, considering she’d taken to ringing the station like clockwork every two weeks since the beginning of the year.
“Those boys look good together.” Dex thankfully changed the subject and didn’t lie.
Jamie and Chaz shared a strong love that seemed to meld them into one entity even when apart. Their latched pinkies sent an ache through my chest, making me wish for the same.
When torn apart for accepting hugs from supportive townsfolk, they always found their way back together, fingers entwining.
Chaz, like Jamie, had gone through the wringer, but both had ended up in a better place than when my son had first returned home. Chaz now had a good relationship with both of his parents, and Henderson Auto, his business, flourished as the only auto shop in town. Jamie didn’t know jack shit about car engines, but he spent a lot of his free time at the shop helping out where he could.
“Yeah, they do,” I agreed with Dex, well aware my best friend longed for the exact same thing as I did, what those boys shared.
A committed relationship to dispel the loneliness of middle age and an empty house.
But Dex didn’t have an ex or the baggage I did, the type that had the power to hold me back no matter how badly I longed for companionship. He also didn’t have deeply ingrained suspicion that acted like a fortress around his heart.
My thoughts returned to Jimmy, but another of Dex’s elbows to my side helped me remain in the present. “Have you downloaded that dating app I told you about?”
I sipped my beer before answering. “Yeah, but I’m not feeling it.” I offered the excuse I’d given him more than once already about other sites he’d suggested. “Everyone just wants to get laid and will promise anything to get at my dick. You know I’m looking for more than that—a real connection. A needy guy I can take care of, someone who will give me a sense of purpose.”
“Youhavepurpose already,” Dex argued. “You keep this town safe. You’re every kid’s hero.” He tapped his empty glass bottle to mine in cheers before moving off.
I huffed at Dex’s retreating form. I’d beenoneboy’s hero, that was for damned sure. That ache slid through my chest again, and I frowned, scratching through my white button-down shirt while continuing to watch Jamie and his soon-to-be fiancé.
I started their way, getting stopped a few times to accept congratulations for raising a fine son.
Chaz left Jamie to get them drinks, and I studied their interactions even though space lay between them. Salacious, longing looks across the bar stated their desire for each other louder than any bullhorn.
I finally managed to sidle up next to my son. “You’re making me jealous.”
Jamie tore his focus off Chaz to smirk at me. “Sorry?”
“Don’t be. I love seeing you happy.”
“Your man will show up one of these days,” he promised as though he knew the future, but I didn’t hold as much hope.
“Starting to think it’s not going to happen,” I muttered.
“Welcome to Frenchie’s!” Iris and her wife hollered as the door swung open.
“Motherfucking…” I cursed under my breath.
“Jimmy Riley,” my son muttered as the boy paused over the threshold, scanning the room.
I drank Jimmy in from head to toe. He was an absolute snack in tight-as-fuck jeans and a short-sleeved crop top that showedoff his smooth, pale arms, trim waistline, and a ring through his belly button. I grunted, instinctively bending forward slightly to lessen the sudden rush of blood to my groin.
“Shit,” Jamie and I both whispered at the same time Jimmy caught sight of us, blue eyes flaring with a purposeful glint I recognized.
