Chapter 51
Jon’s fingers drummed a nervous rhythm on the steering wheel. He wanted a cigarette but had a rule about smoking in the car. Fidgeting in the driver’s seat, he checked the mirror and glanced toward the building where Robbie lived. He had gotten up early for a drive to Houston. He was on a mission. Robbie had sounded surprised on the phone. Jon needed to talk to him and wanted his help. He felt bad for lying on the phone but couldn’t risk Levi overhearing any of what he wanted to say. Lying to Levi about the reason for the trip had been even worse, but Levi was forcing his hand by setting up an ideal scenario for the perfect moment. He had to move fast if he wanted to pull this off, which is why he refused to get out to smoke before he arrived downtown.
Robbie emerged from the building’s entrance. It seemed nice enough from the outside. Jon lowered his window and shouted to get his attention. Robbie’s face lit up, and he jogged to the passenger side of the car.
“What’s up, man? You sounded kinda dodgy on the phone and don’t even think about telling me you came all the way out here just to take me to lunch.”
Jon shook his head and smiled. “You know me too well, bud. I’m working up the nerve to get to that. I promise you it’s nothing a bad.” He pulled away from the curb and drove toward downtown.
“I don’t have a lot of cash on me, so we should probably eat somewhere cheap.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s on me.”
“I don’t want any damn charity. I’m getting my shit together, but money’s still tight.”
Jon chuckled. “I said I’ve got it. Seriously, don’t think of it as charity. Your current situation isn’t even a factor in that decision. I would pay today even if you had a cool mil sitting in the bank.”
Robbie scowled and turned towards the window. “If you say so. But that doesn’t answer my question.”
“I know. Let’s just get to where we’re going and I’ll fill you in, but the short version is I need your help.”
Robbie huffed and continued to stare out the window, silent. Jon wanted to comfort him, but was unsure of how best to do that. He resumed the playlist of songs they had listened to in high school. If Robbie asked, he would swear he didn’t make it specifically for this trip, no matter how untrue that was. Robbie turned and raised an eyebrow. He shook his head and turned away again, but Jon swore he heard him chuckle.
The music kept the short drive from being too awkward. Still, Jon was thankful when they pulled into the parking garage and found a space.
Robbie was the first to break the silence. “Other than the bus terminal, I don’t think I’ve been anywhere around town yet. I mostly just sit in my apartment and mope.”
Jon headed toward the nearest sidewalk exit. “Well, no moping today. C’mon, we’ve got an adventure ahead of us. Lunch is first on the agenda. Stop being so damn gloomy. I promise I’ll tell you everything at the restaurant. I’m in dire need of a cigarette, and I figure I’ve got just enough time to smoke before we get to the cafe.”
Robbie chased after him. “Cafe?”
“Yeah, I interviewed for a job near here a while back. Spent the afternoon at a cafe across the street waiting on the bus. Had the best conversation of my life there, and I’m hoping to top it today.”
“You do remember I hate puzzles, right? I’m not gonna play games.”
Jon laughed. “I know. And it isn’t a puzzle or any kind of game. Just a statement.”
Robbie watched him suspiciously and politely refused when Jon offered him a cigarette. “I quit that too. One might be ok. Maybe two, but just like the person who smokes only when they drink, I know that if I smoke, I’ll crave a drink or want to get my hands on something stronger. So, I just gave it all up.”
Jon smiled, though he doubted the possibility of giving up all addictions. “I get that. You know, I never said this the other night. I was still processing. In fact, Levi pointed it out. You must be really determined to sit there in the bar all that time and not drink. I admire that strength and so does Levi, though he’d never admit it. I think he still thinks of you as a threat. That won’t be an issue soon.” He smashed the butt into an ashtray by the entrance. “And remember, I’m here for you if you need someone to listen to if things get tough and to be your cheerleader if any random cravings hit.”
Robbie opened the door. “Thank you. That means more than you know.”
They chose a table on the patio. Jon tried, but couldn’t remember if it was the same table.
“So, will you tell me why we’re here now?”
Jon smiled and leaned back in his chair. “I need to ask you an important question. You can say no if you want, but I was wondering if you would be my best man.”
Robbie’s eyes flew open, and he started coughing. “Wait. I didn’t know you guys were engaged!”
Jon chuckled. “We’re not. Yet.”
“So you’re asking me before him? Is that normal?”
“I don’t fucking know. All I know is I need someone with me to pick out a ring, and you were the obvious choice.”
“Why?”
“Well, you are my oldest friend, and you’re my only friend outside of work that isn’t a mutual friend with Levi.”
“But I just kinda appeared out of nowhere after not seeing you for years. Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I couldn’t think of anyone better if I tried. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. When I had my accident, I thought I was sure. When you showed up, it was like the universe was telling me this is the right time because I already had thought of you as my best man, but I didn’t know how to get in touch with you.”
“Wow. That’s a lot to take in, but you know I’ll do it. You know you could’ve asked this over the phone. I know you get your evenings to yourself.”
“Well, this conversation’s only half the mission today. We’re going to go ring shopping after we leave here. I don’t know what kinds of connections Levi has in Derecho, so I figured be best to go out of town for this purchase.”
“You devious little son of a bitch.”
“I found a nice boutique jewelry store that might just have something unique enough to symbolize my love for Levi.”