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Matt could use a miracle too.
Robby glanced at the clock. It was worth a shot.
“I need to go take care of some things. Sara, you’ve got the place covered?”
“Go on, doll. I’ve got this.”
***
Robby had his choice of parking spots in front of the tattoo parlor. Not surprising. He wouldn’t expect the place to get busy for another few hours. At least he wouldn’t have much of an audience if things went south in the next few minutes.
With a fortifying breath, he stepped inside, and Patty’s head shot up at the tinkle of the bell. Her brows furrowed together.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to get square with you.”
She shook her head. “Matt told me—”
“Matt got some bad advice from a guy I knew a hundred years ago. And I can tell you right now, drugs are not part of my life. I’ve been in N.A.—I’ve been clean—for five years.”
Parker sauntered into the lobby from somewhere in the back of building. “Look what the cat dragged in. I would’ve thought they’d run you out on a rail by now.”
He narrowed his eyes at his old brother-in-arms. “Is that what you were hoping for? Why? Why are you trying to wreck my happiness? And you can drop the act. Matt knows everything and we’re stronger than ever.”
“Of course, you are.” Parker’s pretty face contorted. His perfect features looked almost alien, set in cold, hard lines. “Perfect Robby lands on his feet again. Why do good things only happen to you? It’s not fair.”
“You know damn good and well my life was no walk in the park.” Of all the people to be jealous of, why would Parker choose him?
“I could’ve taken your spot. John was going to pick me, I know it. But you left—and between missing you and dealing with Harry’s suicide—he wouldn’t even look at me again. Said I made him sad.” Parker huffed. “Then, after whatever happened with your beefcake bodyguards at work, he left town. He’sgone.” Parker stamped his foot. “I was so close to finally hitting the jackpot, and you ruined it.”
“John was not the jackpot.” Though he could understand why it would seem so to Parker. “Besides, you don’t need someone to take care of you anymore. You’re a grown man. Get a job; make a life.”
“How? Should I go get a job working a drive-thru somewhere so I can afford to rent a hovel and sleep on the floor?” His old friend bared his teeth. “Fuck that. Even a place like this is better than you’re suggesting.”
“A place like this?” Steve appeared like magic behind him. “Are you slumming it, Parker?”
“No. No. You misunderstood. I love you, baby.”
“You love having a free place to live, more like.” Steve ground his back teeth. The emotions flitting across his face vanished into a stony stillness. “Get out.”
“But my stuff is at your place. And you know no one else can make you feel as good as I do.” Parker reached out, but Patty’s boss swiped his hand away.
“Good is the last word I’d use to describe how I feel right now. Get out before I throw you out.” As Steve took a menacing step forward, Parker scurried out the door.
Robby wondered briefly if he would be caught up in the raid when the cops shut down Nitro’s back room.
There but for the grace of God go I.
At least he never had to worry about John showing up again.
The bell over the door rang with Parker’s exit, then quieted, and the three of them stood in a heavy, awkward silence. Patty spoke first. “Does this mean he was lying about you? To like, get even or something?”
“They weren’t all lies, exactly. I did some questionable things to get by when I was a kid. But I’m not a kid anymore. My life is different now. I love Matt, and he loves me.”
The bell rang, and Matt strode in. He smiled when his gaze landed on Robby.
Grinning in return, his heart rallied. He drew on the feeling, then turned back to Patty. “I’ll take a drug test if you want. Anytime you want. I’m not perfect, but I promise I would never do anything to endanger your son.”
