“It’s okay, Mom, everything’s great. You guys have fun.”
“Oh, okay, if you’re sure. Glad you called, sweetie. Talk soon!”
“Yeah,” I muttered.
My face flushed with embarrassment and disappointment. Why I had reached out at all was beyond me. I took a deep breath and instead picked up the phone to text someone who would actually come through for me.
Hey, traitor. Dinner tonight?
I felt better already as my text fired off to Caden. Truth be told, I’d already forgiven him for inviting Sid the other night. That didn’t mean I wasn’t going to fuck with him a little bit.
His response came back almost immediately.
I’ll make it up to you with my stellar company.
Right.
I’ll be even more entertaining if there’s something other than a paleo meal in my belly. CARBS PULLLLEASE.
I laughed out loud. Obviously, Cade had been spending a lot of time with Sid, who was meticulous about his diet. Cade’s favorite was spaghetti. It didn’t get much easier, but he loved it.
Done.
And just like that I was reminded that sometimes friends were better family than blood could ever be.
****
“Is that a dog?” Cade exclaimed when he arrived at my temporary place later that night.
“I think so.” I shrugged with a smile, offering him a beer. “She’s used to being held, but I’m making her walk a bit.”
“Uh, right.” He chortled. “This place is crazy,” he marveled, looking up at the ceiling and surrounding opulence.
“I know,” I agreed, smiling at my friend. I’d missed him. Sometimes Caden could be like a big kid, but his heart was just as big. With his chiseled jaw, lean muscular frame, and beautiful tattoos, he was handsome too. I just didn’t see him like that; I never had.
“As promised, carbs a la spaghetti.” I made a sweeping gesture toward the plates I’d dished up. “I even made garlic bread.”
“Awesome.” He shoveled in a huge bite, groaning in appreciation.
I took a bite of my own dinner instead of asking the question on the tip of my tongue. I wanted so badly to ask about Sid, but I didn’t want to put Caden in the middle of our mess. Instead, we kept the topics light and far from anything having to do with Sid.
It wasn’t until we were watching a movie and drinking beers that he cleared his throat. “He’s pretty fucked-up, Sam.”
I had to force down the beer I’d sipped with an audible swallow. “Oh yeah, how’s that?”
“He’s not sleeping well. He’s working constantly, trying to find those assholes. He misses you.”
“Do you need another beer?” I asked by way of answer.
He made a growly sound of frustration and shook his head. “Look, as shitty as things might seem right now, I’m glad you guys are getting some of this out,” he said as I tried to look busy digging in the fridge.
I looked over at him in surprise.
“Because even before shit went down between you, it wasn’t always fun living with the tension, you know?” he added.
I nodded. “I get it. I’m sorry, Cade.”
He shrugged. “Better late than never.”