I bite my tongue. He is definitely not in the mood for constructive criticism. “Alright, bro. Whatever makes you happy, man.”
I spot a taxi and flag it down, hustling him into the car. “Are you good from here?” I ask.
He nods his head, taking a deep breath.
“We should do this again sometime.” He shoots me a half grin.
“We’ll see about that, lightweight.”
Tony snickers. “Thirty really hits like a train, doesn’t it?”
“We’re growing up, bro.”
“Make it stop,” Tony whines playfully as I close the taxi door.
I lean through the open window. “Let me know when you’re home safe, yeah? And don’t worry too much, it will all work out in the end.”
I offer him my hand and he clasps it in his own.
“Thanks Jackie, you’re a good one.”
I tap the taxi as it pulls off into traffic and watch as it disappears down the road.
Exhaling heavily, I pivot on my heels and pull my phone out of my pocket.
Me
Any chance for a game of Sixth Temple?
Rosie
Ready for me to beat you?
I chuckle, I want nothing more than to shake off the weird evening side by side with Rosie.
Me
Always
13
ROSIE
“Hi Pammy,”I say to the nurse behind the desk. I’ve been here so often, I know most of the staff by name. She looks up at me with a smile that freezes when she spots the large man lingering behind me. “This is my…friend.”
Jackson steps forward holding out a hand. “Jackson, lovely to meet you.”
“Uh, uh,” Pammy stutters. “Sign here please.” She hands over the sign in sheet and I scribble both our names down. She leans over the counter, resting on her arms and thrusting her chest out, her low cut blouse straining at the action.
She opens her mouth to speak but I cut her off.
“How is she today?” I ask Pammy, dragging her gaze away from Jackson.
“Oh uh,” Pammy stammers, suddenly remembering how to be professional. “She’s having a good day.” She offers me a small smile before her gaze darts back to Jackson like a ping pong ball.
“Great, I know the way.” I clasp Jackson’s arm and tug him down the hall.
“What’s the rush, pretty girl?” he asks from behind, whispering in my ear. “She was only being friendly.”
