Chapter 7
BECK
“Fresh cup?”
I turned from my view of the lake to see Cole walking toward me. As always, he looked crisp and fresh, as if we hadn’t been drinking half the night. I rarely got hung over, but I also didn’t usually drink copious amounts of tequila.
“Thanks,” I said, putting my coffee mug on the table between the two Adirondack chairs positioned perfectly for the view. Handing it to me, he sat.
“Mighty considerate of you.” I took a sip of hot coffee as he sat.
“Was Pia’s idea.”
“Of course.”
We sat in silence, one benefit of a long friendship.
Breathing in the fresh spring air, I thought of how much fun I’d had last night.
Of driving Mae home earlier. Of the tinge of sadness that surrounded her.
And of the guilt of being glad Mae was back, without a fiancé, knowing how torn up she was about it.
Despite the show she put on for the others, Mae wasn’t herself last night.
Made me want to kill the asshole that caused it.
“Now I know why Mason insisted on that rule.”
Broken out of my reverie, it took me a second to follow.
“Never date the neighbor,” I said finally. “I’ll say the same now as back then. It wasn’t really necessary. Mae would never go for a guy like me. She’s said as much, outright, more than once.”
“Even so, I get it. She’s sweet.”
My head whipped in Cole’s direction as I remembered what Mae had said when I asked if she thought Cole was hot.
Obviously.
“Down, boy. Not my type. And I’m certainly not hers.”
“Meaning? There’s literally nothing wrong with her.”
Why was I trying to talk Cole into liking Mae? Idiot.
“Meaning, she said last night that it’s been years since she wasn’t in a relationship.”
“Right.” I took another sip of coffee. “And you’re not into relationships either.”
“About as much as you are.”
“True,” I offered. “It’s just the two of us now.”
Cole seemed more annoyed by the fact than me.
“Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “I like Pia. And Delaney. But I stand by the reason we agreed to it in the first place.”
“Same. My parents are more of a shitshow now than they were back in college.”
“What’s up with them these days?”
I shook my head in disgust. “More of the same. Beck, why did you even go to college? Beck, you’re wasting your life away. Beck, when are you going to settle down? Beck, you’re an embarrassment to the family,” I said in my mother’s voice.
“Did she really say that?”
“Not in so many words,” I admitted. “So when are you heading back?” I asked, more relaxed now that I knew Cole wasn’t interested in Mae. Talk about a disaster of epic proportions.
“Parker’s taking me to the train station at one.”
“It was nice of you, what you did for that girl.”
“It’s just money.”
Cole wanted everyone to think he was some cold-hearted piece of stone. I knew better, but for some reason he didn’t want to be reminded.
“When you coming up again?”
When he didn’t immediately answer, I looked at Cole’s profile. Something was off with him, but opening up wasn’t Cole’s strong suit. If anyone got it out of him, it would be Parker. I’d have to talk to him about it.
“Mace mentioned something about a summer wine event they’re co-hosting with Casa Di Vino which coincides with my summer break. I’ll probably come up for a few weeks then.”
Cole loved the outdoors, probably as much as Parker. To say we were surprised he ended up at Columbia, in the city, was an understatement. Unless you factored in Cole’s drive to be a tenured college professor, like his father. I guess those jobs were few and far between, especially at that level.
“We should be completely finished with the renovations by then.”
“And then what?”
“For me?”
He looked at me like I was daft. It was my least favorite “Cole” look.
“I dunno. I’m thinking to move out sooner rather than later. Give Mason and Pia their space.”
“To where?”
I shrugged. “Somewhere within walking distance of the bar, I guess. Speaking of.” I pulled out my phone. “Lunch shift today. I’m on borrowed time.”
“So that’s it for you, then. O’Malley’s for the rest of your life?”
Groaning, I tilted my head back. “Not you too.”
“Hey, I don’t give a shit what you do. You know that. I’m just asking.”
I sighed. “I like it. Maybe it’s not everyone’s dream, but I have no desire to sit in an office somewhere. I like talking to people, for real, and not in some artificial space with artificial lighting.”
“And you like talking to women.”
“That too.” Though one in particular. “I just don’t have some burning desire to change the world. I like the idea of making people happy in my own way. Wouldn’t have gone to college if my parents hadn’t forced it. But I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
“Works for me. I’m not trying to bust your chops. You do you, Beck. As long as you’re happy.”
Was I happy? I thought so, before Mae announced she was getting married. Since then, I wasn’t so sure. Until she came back and unannounced the engagement. Now I was happy, at her expense. What an asshole.
“What?”
“Nothing.” I had no desire to get into it.
“Okay.”
And that was that. No more questions, which was one thing I liked about Cole. Surprisingly, he was one of the least judgmental people I knew.
Groaning, I stood up. “Time to hit the shower.”
Cole stood with me, shaking my hand.
“See you soon, Beckster.”
“Save travels, you bastard.”
Cole sat back down, obviously intending to eke out the last bit of outdoor air he could before heading back to the city. For my part, I needed a shower and something to eat, not necessarily in that order.
My phone buzzed with a text.
It was Mae’s dad.
Any chance you can come in a half hour early?
I looked at the time. I could always eat at the bar.
Sure. What’s up?
I need to talk to you and Mae, together. It’s important.
My stomach dropped. What the hell did that mean? Was he sick? Was Mae’s mom?
You ok?
Fine. Nothing like that. See you soon.
Whew.
Well, that was stranger than hell. What could Mr. O’Malley possibly have to talk to both Mae and me together about? He didn’t mention anything yesterday when I’d eaten breakfast at their house. Why not tell us then?
I picked up the pace. Curiosity might’ve had the wheel, but the thought of seeing Mae was definitely riding shotgun.