He eyes me, brows furrowed. “You alright? You’ve been distracted all night.”
“Yeah, man. I’m good.”
Matt doesn’t look convinced. He studies me like he’s trying to read between the lines. “I asked if you were planning to come with Kevin and me to the game next week.”
“Oh… um, yeah. Sorry. What day is it again?”
“Thursday.”
“Yeah, that should work. Let me check with Alley.”
“You said you’d ask Alley yesterday and let me know tonight.” Matt takes a sip of his drink.
“Right,” I say slowly. “Sorry, man. I forgot. I’ll go ask her.”
“You don’t have to right now. Just let me know by tomorrow.”
I spot Seth in the kitchen, finally alone. Now’s my chance for a casual run-in.
“I will,” I say. “I’m gonna grab a drink. You want anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
“Cool. I’ll be back.”
I turn and head toward the kitchen, forcing myself to act relaxed. I slide up beside Seth, reaching for the tequila like that’s why I came over. “Hey, man. How’s it going?”
“Oh shit, Jensen!” Seth claps my back like we’ve been tight all these years. “I almost didn’t recognize you with that wig. You pull off a damn good Kid Rock.”
I chuckle. “Thanks, man. Yours is great too.”
I have no fucking clue who he’s supposed to be.
Twisting the cap off the tequila, I pour a shot and wince slightly as I shift my weight to my bad knee. Seth catches it. His eyes flick down, subtle, but not missing a thing.
“Shit, man. You alright?”
“Yeah,” I say quickly, brushing it off. “Just my knee acting up. I had surgery a while ago. I’m still dealing with the aftermath.”
I hesitate, bringing the tequila closer to my lips. I took that half pill earlier, but it’s been over two hours. I probably shouldn’t mix, but it’s just one.
I toss the shot back and exhale, the burn hitting my chest. “Thedoctor’s got me on fucking ibuprofen and Aleve, like that’s supposed to do anything.”
Seth snorts. “Yeah, man. Docs always act like that shit’s magic. You doing PT?”
I nod, eyes on the empty glass in my hand. “Starting soon. I’ve just gotta get through next week until I can get an injection.” I rub at my knee. “It’s been brutal, though. There’s not enough liquor in the world for nights like this.”
Seth raises a brow, then glances around, lowering his voice slightly. “Man, if you need something stronger, I might know someone.”
I go still for half a second, keeping my face neutral. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” he says, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Nothing crazy. Just a couple to hold you over, if you need ’em.”
I hesitate, just for show. I don’t want to look too eager. I take a second to roll my shoulders like I’m mulling it over.
“Shit,” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t know. I’ve had a few left over from surgery, so I’ve been managing, but…” I let out a low, humorless chuckle. “I’m running low, and I can already tell the next few weeks are gonna be hell.”
Seth shrugs. “I get it. No pressure, man. But I’ve got a buddy who can hook you up. Nothing sketchy. Strictly clean, prescription stuff. None of that street shit where you never know what you’re getting. This is the real deal. You know, wealthy circles, high-end supply. Just guys helping out guys dealing with shit like this.”
