Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
As soon as he closed his truck door and pulled out his cell to call Quick and tell him he was coming over, it rang in his hands. Damnit. He recognized the number as one from the Fulton County Jail. So much for his plans. Duty calls.
Vaughan listened to his dad and Duke’s conversation the next morning while he downed a protein shake and carved a grapefruit. He’d urged his dad to put it on speakerphone so he could hear Duke’s voice. His dad rolled his eyes but hit the button.
“So the party is Sunday? This Sunday, as in tomorrow?”
“Yep.” Duke’s voice sounded distorted, like he was driving.
“Why so soon?”
“He’s not coming in on Monday. His last day was Friday, and you know Charlie doesn’t like too much fussing over him. So I’ve already hired caterers, a DJ, a cleaning crew, everything. All we have to do is show up. Some people are already at the office putting up minimal but tasteful decorations. Charlie has two friends that said they could definitely make it, then that leaves us… so why wait?”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Fine. I’m on my way to the Macy’s at the mall after I have breakfast.”
“The mall.” Quick cringed.
“I need to pick up a jacket or something to wear tomorrow. Nothing fits me anymore and I don’t want to only wear a collared shirt.”
“You need some help?”
“I can manage, Quick. It’s just a jacket. I was gonna come by last night but got called out to Fulton for a bond. Vaughan had invited me, so I thought I’d swing by.” There was a pause before the background noise died down. “Hey, buddy. How’s it been going with Vaughan?”
Vaughan’s eyes widened. He gestured to his dad, not wanting to talk out loud. Say great, say great. He tried to mouth, but his dad obviously couldn’t read lips.
“He’s fine. Why?”
“Um. Nothing. Nothing at all. He just seems different now.”
Vaughan really started gesturing. “Tell him I’m more mature,” he whispered harshly.
His dad covered the speaker. “I’m not about to pimp you, Vaughan.”
“Dad. Come on,” he begged.
Vaughan watched his dad slap his hand to his forehead, groaning in irritation.
“Quick. Quick are you there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I heard you, I was just checking the caller ID, thought I heard it beep. But, um. Vaughan—he has changed. He’s the man I raised him to be. Smart, mature as hell. Focused, driven.”
Vaughan gave his dad a thumbs up and a motion that said keep talking, which made Quick roll his eyes even harder.
“That’s cool. I know you and Remy are proud as hell. A lawyer, that’s pretty amazing.”
“Yep. He showed me the pen you gave him. That was awesome, dude. Nice job. He was ecstatic.”
Vaughan frowned at his dad.
Duke laughed and it made Vaughan smile. “I’m glad he liked it. Hey, um. Make sure to tell him he’s invited to Charlie’s retirement party.”
“Sure will.”
“Talk to you later, bud.”
After the line went dead, Vaughan felt an amazing surge of energy.
“Son. I’m gonna ask you this one more time.”
“Don’t Dad. I confessed to you years ago that I had a thing for Duke. Always have. Nothing’s changed.”
“Why don’t you want to wait and see if you meet someone in Atlanta? The market ain’t bad out here. You could meet a nice young lawyer when you start your new job, anything could happen.”
Vaughan just barely refrained from yelling. “I’ve been to the other side of the world and back and I’ve still never met a man like Duke. Key word is ‘man.’ I don’t want some young guy that’s most likely still in the closet or god knows what types of hang-ups and complexes he might have. Still wanting to party and binge drink all night. I don’t have time for that shit.” Vaughan frowned. “You keep saying you support me in this, but you keep trying to get me to change my mind.”
His father stood and walked over to him. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I know. But I won’t be until I have Duke.”
Quick breathed out slowly and nodded his head. “Okay, then.”
Vaughan darted up the stairs.
“Hey. Where you going? I thought you were gonna work out.”
“I need a new jacket for the party tomorrow.”
He heard Quick’s laughter before the reply. “You have more suit jackets than a congressman.”
When Vaughan came back down twenty minutes later in a pair of jeans, an untucked beige collared shirt and a camel colored blazer, his dad whistled at him. “Let me guess. You’re going to Macy’s.”
Vaughan winked, tucking his wallet in his back pocket. “Not usually where I shop, but I’m sure I’ll find something.”
“I’m sure you will,” Quick said softly, still nursing his coffee.
Vaughan went over and looked down at him. He was still a magnificent man. Why he chose to stay home night after night and not date was beyond Vaughan’s understanding. His father was tall, thick upper body and lean hips, built just like him. His hair was a little gray at the temples, but was still long and full. His tattoos were cool as shit and went up both arms. He could surely pull a hottie. What was his deal? “Why don’t me and you go paint the town red tonight, huh? It’s the weekend, let’s let loose.”