Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“It’s likely. He’s here a lot of nights from what I hear.”
“Do you think he has a drinking problem?”
That’s all we would need, and unfortunately, I don’t have an answer for him. “Don’t know, baby.” Reaching over, I squeeze his thigh. Morgan grabs my hand in a quick hold that says thank you before we get out of the Jeep.
Cass and Archer are already there when we arrive, sitting at a table with a pitcher of beer and four glasses. “There they are.” I nod in their direction.
“I can’t believe you hang out with Archer Thorn and Tripp Cassidy,” he teases.
“I’m one of the cool kids now,” I joke back. “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”
They both stand. “Hey, brother. What’s up?” Archer holds out his hand for me, and we shake.
“Not much, man. Hey, Cass. You both remember Morgan.”
They say hello to Morgan, then Archer moves over to sit beside Cass, and Morgan and I take the seats across from them.
Cass pours beer in a mug for each of us and slides it over. “I was real sorry to hear about your dad’s stroke.”
Morgan gives a quick nod and a thank-you. Archer and Cass don’t know Gregory is the last thing Morgan wants to talk about.
“What about you?” Morgan asks Cass. “How’s your son doing? He was a toddler when I left. And your wife?”
Fuck. I should have foreseen that and spoken to him about it ahead of time. Cass is incredibly protective of Meadow. I try to intervene now. “Sorry, I—”
Cass shakes his head, stopping me. “It’s okay. He didn’t know. Unless there’s an issue after I tell him. Then we’ll have a problem.” Cass turns to Morgan. “April left, and my child let us know a couple of years ago that we were wrong about her—I have a daughter, and her name is Meadow. She picked it herself.” He smiles, clearly in awe of his girl.
“I apologize. I didn’t know, but I won’t make the mistake again. Sounds like you have yourself a strong, confident daughter.”
“I do.” Cass beams. “Thank you.”
Morgan nods, and Archer pipes in. “I hear you’re leaving us,” he tells me.
I shift in my seat, then talk to them some about the plan. “I know people don’t think East can handle it, but—”
“I don’t think that,” Archer interrupts. “I think he can do more than anyone realizes, especially himself.”
“What’s the deal with you two?” I ask. He’s always helping East out, even though he doesn’t want it.
“Archer wants to fuck him is what’s happening.” Cass laughs, then glances toward Morgan as if he just remembered he’s there. “Shit. Sorry. I forgot we’re talking about your little brother.”
“Is he queer?” Morgan looks at me. “Hell, I don’t even know. And I’ve heard you’re queer too.” He glances at Archer, clearly not feeling jealous over the fact that Archer and I have fucked. I’m thankful for that. “When did Birchbark become so much cooler?”
We share a chuckle, but then Archer says, “I don’t want to fuck him. I just think he gets a bad rap, and I don’t like shit like that. Everyone deserves a fair shot. I won’t pretend he’s not pretty to look at, but that’s not what it’s about. Just feels like he needs someone, is all.”
No one answers about Easton’s sexuality, and I’m not sure if anyone knows. I sure as fuck don’t. I do know he likes women, so if he’s queer, he’s bisexual, or pan, or something else.
We chat as we finish our drinks, then head to the billiards table to play a game of doubles. They split me and Morgan up so Morgan is with Cass and I’m with Archer.
“Want another drink? Officer Thorn is my designated driver, and I plan to get fucked up tonight. Meadow is with my parents.” Cass smacks his buddy on the shoulder.
“I can’t,” I tell him. “I have to drive.”
“Drink. Have fun. I’ll drive us home,” Morgan says, and I’m not going to argue with him. This might be the last time I get to do something like this with Archer and Cass for a long time.
One game turns into two, then three, laughter and conversation bouncing between us. Morgan seems to get along well with them, unsurprisingly, and it fills me with a kind of joy that only something about Morgan can give me.
Morgan and Cass win two of the three games, and then we’re back at our table, Cass and I enjoying another round.
“Did you guys hear that Old Man Davies is selling this place?” Archer says.
“No shit?” I ask. “That sucks. I love it here. I hope it’s not an out-of-stater who buys.” I love coming to Davies and knowing it’s someone local running it, someone who grew up here and loves this area. I worry that someone else might change things too much and it won’t be what Birchbark loves.