Page 109 of Broken Wheels

Dixon pushed out another sigh, but this time, it was a deep, painful sound. “We went down to the creek to do some swimming. Well, that was what we told our parents. The truth was, we’d snagged some beer and we’d gone down there to get wasted. We stripped down, drank all fourteen bottles, then lay out in the sun.”

“Fourteen?” Josh forgot his anxiety for a moment and gaped at him. “I can’t even manage two.”

Dixon laughed. “I’m not saying I could manage that much now. But it felt great—until a hand landed on my dick. I jerked my head up and found Whit looking at me as if asking permission, his fingers wrapped around my shaft, his mouth inches from it.”

Josh bit his lip. “I can’t see you refusing a blow job.” Not that he liked the idea of someone else’s lips stretched around Dixon’s thick cock, but it was a long time ago.

Dixon smiled. “Wow. It’s like you know me. Yeah. I nodded, and he went down on me. Despite what I’d told him about my exploits with the cheerleader, it was my first time, and after, I got really freaked out about it. I told him to stay the fuck away from me and called him things I regret to this day.” Dixon shook his head. “I never even told him I wanted to do the same thing to him.”

“Oh.” Josh squeezed Dixon’s hand. “I’m sorry that happened.”

“Me too. One of the few things I regret about my childhood. I found him on social media a while back. He’s married to a guy and they’re living in Seattle. They’ve got a little girl, and in their pictures, they look so happy. And because of my stupidity, I missed out on it.”

Josh wished he had some magic words to take away the obviously bad memory. “Have you tried reaching out to him?”

Dixon waved a hand. “Naw, that’s all water under the bridge by now.”

Josh studied him for a moment. “Can I say something to you?”

“Of course.”

“If you still think about it until this day, then maybe Whit does too.” Josh cocked his head to one side. “What if you reach out and help to put his mind at ease? You said he was your best friend, so you know him better than me.”

Dixon leaned back against the cushions. “We got in a fight once, where he called me some name or other.” He huffed. “I don’t even remember what it was now, but back then, I was hurt. He came to me the next day and apologized, and all was right with the world again. We never stopped being friends.”

“Then why not give him what he might need? Yes, he might tell you to go screw yourself, but he might also want to talk with you. Tell you he understands.” He gave Dixon’s hand another squeeze. “Don’t write him off. Be his best friend again.” He nudged Dixon’s shoulder. “And if nothing else, you’ll still have Chalmers.”

Dixon snorted. “You know, I always understood that you were smart. I didn’t realize smartass was also one of your many skills.”

Josh snickered. “I’m learning from the best.” He leaned over and kissed Dixon. “I honestly think you need this closure too.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right. I’ll figure out something.”

Then his phone rang, and Josh heard Grayson telling Dixon that Chalmers had arrived and asking if he could come up. When Dixon ended the call, the conversation went back to business.

Josh wanted to hear more about Dixon’s childhood. Maybe one day they could do it again.

“You don’t mind if I stick around?” Chalmers asked, sipping the freshly brewed coffee. “I mean, seeing as your boss is coming.”

“Bosses,” Josh corrected. “And I think they should meet you, especially if you’re going to help us. Well, you and Grady.” More than that, he wanted some backup when he informed Gary and Michael of his suspicions.

“Not sure how much help I can be,” Chalmers admitted. He shook his head. “What we could do with right now is my boss. That guy could find a virtual needle in a digital haystack.” The skin around his mouth tightened, and Josh knew what had crossed his mind.

Is his boss another victim? Lord, Josh hoped not.

There was a knock at the door, and Dixon went to open it. Gary entered the apartment, closely followed by Michael. All it took was one glance for Josh to realize this was not a good day. Gary was pale, his movements more measured than usual.

“There’s coffee if you want it,” Dixon told them, indicating the larger couch.

Michael helped Gary to his seat, only to be rebuffed when he tried to move the pillow closer.

Gary’s face contorted. “Go away, Mom.”

Michael rolled his eyes. “Fine. Be in pain. See if anyone cares, you cranky asshole.”

Josh was stunned into silence. Dixon held Coby, staring at the two men as if he’d rather be anywhere else but there.

“Maybe we?—”