Page 52 of Rumor Has It

“I did, and I can.” I chuckle.

“Is it from the microwave?” She wrinkles her noise. “Will it kill me?”

“Neither, but I appreciate the show of support.”

“Boone, you haven’t been home in years.” She glances out the window, smiling coyishly. “Why don’t you call your friends, meet them for dinner and drinks.”

“Mom, I didn’t come here to catch up with people I went to school with. I came to help and visit you and Dad,” saying as I sort through the papers.

She leans against the counter. “But why don’t you go and have some fun?”

“First of all, I text a few of them but nothing more. I only talk to Walker, and that’s usually business.” I shrug. “I’m not sure I have friends here anymore.”

“Soooo, the bunch in the window acting like fools, aren’t your friends happy to see you?” Her head tilts toward the wall of windows where Walker, Chord, and Riley are flexing with their reflections.

I gape, shaking my head. “Mom, what did you do?”

“Your father and I decided you need a night out.” She starts pushing me toward the door. “Now, go drinking, cut up, catcall the girls… Whatever you boys do.”

“You realize I’m almost thirty?” I glance back at her in protest. “They’re all married too! I’m the odd man out here.”

“Maybe they know a good girl.” She giggles opening the door. “Or, if you’re lucky, a bad one! Have fun, boys!” she shouts, slamming the door behind me and locking it. I glare at her, turning to my old friends. Old being the operative word.

“Boone Hatcher is in da house!” Riley yells, holding his hands high. I slap them, shaking my head.

“Riley, what’s up?” I hit his hands. “Chord Hamilton, good to see you.” A manly hug ensues. “Walker, how are you? Did you get those new specs?”

“Boone,”—he takes my proffered hand—“I did, but we’re not talking shop tonight.”

I grin. “What are we doing, and are your ladies joining us?”

“Nah, that ain’t happening.” Riley slaps my back. “We gotta keep you rich, successful business types away from our women.”

“You forgot good looking,” I say, cocking my brow.

Chord shakes his head. “No, he didn’t.”

“Screw you, Hamilton.” I flip him off.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen… It doesn’t matter. I’ve always been the hottest guy outta all of us!” Riley smirks.

“Well, then…” Walker tosses his brother the keys to his SUV. “You won’t mind driving while we drown our sorrows!”

Riley spins them on his finger. “It’s all for the cause.”

“What cause?” My eyes flicker from man to man. “Guys, what cause?”

Chord throws his arm around my shoulder. “You are the cause, ya sad sack of numb nuts!”

“I couldn’t have picked a better bunch for the ‘welcome wagon’!” I jerk the door open, climbing in the back.

Walker spins in his seat, punching my thigh from the front where he sits. “That’s for opening my door like that, and for not calling sooner!”

“Fucker!” I rub my thigh. “I could’ve stayed in Cali and been abused.”

“Yeah, but at least we’ll buy you drinks.” Chord half shrugs.

I continue to work out my charley horsed leg. “Where we goin’, and what are we doin’?”