“What the fuck does that mean?” I demanded.
“Calm down,” he said. “What I mean is that relationships are complicated. It’s more difficult than a one-night stand. If you’re being honest with yourself about how you feel for Cameron,andshe feels the same way, then give it some time. Let it all sink in, then go from there.”
“How long, though? How much time? I’m dogshit at this, Ollie.”
“If everyone who was bad at something gave up, the world would be a pretty awful place. Besides, this isn’t rocket science—this is simpler than that. Sleep it off. Once you and Cameron have a night to rest and recover, then you can take a look at this from a different perspective.”
“That sounds like an answer a father would give their son,” I responded bitterly.
“What can I say,” Ollie quipped, leaning over and putting a hand on my arm. “My little boy is growing up.”
I yanked my hand away and laughed. “Oh, fuck off.”
“I’m not joking, though. Once you and Cameron have had a night to process what’s going on, you can talk. I think you’ll find things look different in the morning. Forbothof you.”
“Did you give up the detective gig to become a self-help guru?” I snapped, taking a sip of my drink.
“It’s always been part of me,” Ollie said. “You’ve just been too hard-headed to notice.”
“I’ll give it a shot,” I said. “I doubt tomorrow is going to be a great time to talk, though. We’ve got that hearing with JC and the elders.”
Ollie grimaced. “Shit. Thatistomorrow.” He gulped down some of his beer. “Screw it—either way, you’ll have had some time to think about it all, and once the hearing is over, that will be one less thing to worry about. Then, you and Miss Torres can sit down and discuss what’s going on between you.”
I shook my head in bewilderment. “You make it sound easy.”
“Enough talk about relationships and women. Let’s get to something more light-hearted.”
“Likewhat?”
“Like what the Maple Leafs’ chances are at making the playoffs. I think this may be their year to win their division. Might have an outside shot at the Stanley Cup.”
I burst out laughing. “Christ, you are themostCanadian motherfucker I know.”
“You’re Canadian, too.”
“Yeah, but not like you. You might as well use maple syrup as deodorant. I bet you lovepoutine, too, don’t you?”
“I’ll have you know that fries, gravy, and cheese curds are the food of the gods.”
“The food of a coronary, more like it.”
Over the next hour, we talked about sports, movies, and his work. Ollie was one of the only people on earth I could call a real friend.I’d kept him close, but also far enough away that ifsomething happened, I could cut and run without feeling like shit about it. Sometimes we’d go months or even years without talking. That was probably going to change soon, though. If I really did get accepted into his pack, I’d need to get used to socializing like this. And to my surprise, I liked it.
An hour later, I stood. “I’ve got to hit the hay. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
“Fair enough,” Ollie said, rising from his seat and tossing some bills on the table. “I got your drinks.”
“What a pal,” I said. “I didn’t even have to ask.”
“You’re buying the next round, though,” Ollie added, pointing an accusing finger at me.
“Sure thing.”
Outside, the cool night air chilled my skin. I wasn’t even closeto being drunk. My body metabolized the alcohol too fast, but I did have a nice little euphoria pulsing through my system.
“See you tomorrow?” Ollie asked.
“Yeah. I’m gonna find a motel or something. Crash for a few hours.”
