Page 12 of Joey's Trick
He glanced at the ocean to see his parents were pretty far away before flicking the buttons free and pulling the thick band away. The Celtic tree was rather large, enough to cover the three-inch scar. Before they could look closer or even touch him, Joey closed the leather cuff back into place. “That’s really beautiful, Joey,” Veronica said.
“Thanks.” He shifted in discomfort. Everyone seemed to target the things he had no desire to talk about. “So how is the landscaping business?”
They embraced the change in topic with ease, and Anthony and Trick began conversing about the modifications they planned to make soon. They wanted to bring on another couple of guys to help, since their business was growing so quickly. “Sounds like you guys are doing great.”
“Whoever expected me, Anthony Waters, to have his own business,” Anthony said. “It’s totally a mind fuck, bro.”
Joey chuckled. “I think it’s great. I’m glad you’re happy.”
“What about you? Are you happy, Joey?” Trick asked, surprising Joey.
“I’m great. Nothing to complain about.” Joey shrugged. “Got a great job, nice car, nice house. Can’t ask for more really.”
“No significant others in Orlando?” Veronica asked.
“Nah. Too many fish in the sea to pick just one,” Joey said, laughing. “Just playing the field for now.”
“You’ll know it when you find the one,” Veronica said, looking at Anthony with adoration in her eyes.
A twinge of envy struck Joey. Something which shocked him because he truly had no intention of ever settling down. He swore to let no one close enough again to destroy him like Trick had. But seeing the way Veronica looked at his brother caused his heart to ache. No one had ever looked at him like that. Joey shifted in discomfort and switched his gaze to the ocean, watching his dad swimming. When he glanced back at Trick, he saw Trick watching him, a strange look in his sapphire blue eyes.
Instead of commenting, Joey just cleared his throat and stood from the blanket. “Going to go for a walk.”
He grabbed his phone and started off down the beach, away from his family and Trick. He wanted to hate Trick, wanted to despise the air the fucker breathed, but even now, his heart clenched whenever Trick was nearby. Sighing, Joey ran a hand through his hair, brushing the strands tousled by a passing breeze away from his face.
His cell vibrated, alerting him to a text, and Joey looked at the screen, scowling at the sight of Vince’s name. He never would have dipped into that well if he’d known how clingy the little shit would get. The agency didn’t have a no fraternization clause, so if it became a bigger problem, he may just have to talk to his boss. Ignoring the text, Joey walked a little farther, working on what the hell he’d tell Anthony about the tattoo when his brother got him alone.
Maybe he could just tell Anthony he’d just really liked the sentiment. But Anthony wouldn’t buy that. His brother knew him too well. Maybe just lie about a nasty breakup? It wasn’t entirely a lie, but it wasn’t exactly the truth, either. He’d broken up with Trick in his mind because Trick had never really belonged to him. Then again, it would probably be better to just tell Anthony to leave it alone. Better than lying to one of the people he’d never lost faith in.
Joey turned around and walked back to where his family sat. His parents were packing up the cooler and blanket when he got there. “Just gotta rinse off the sand,” he said and headed to the little nearby freshwater showers.
The water washed away the sand from his feet. He slid on his flip-flops and trailed behind everyone to the SUV. They all took their original seats after laying down a couple of towels to keep the interior from getting damp. “Anything else planned for today, Mom?” Anthony asked.
“We’ll give you all your freedom for the rest of the day, but we’re going to Diego’s Steakhouse for dinner so make sure you’re ready to go by five. The reservation is for six-thirty.”
The ride to the house was relatively silent. Everyone seemed tired after their outing. Joey leaned his temple against the window and closed his eyes. He’d almost fallen asleep by the time his dad pulled into the driveway. “Joey,” Trick murmured, touching his arm. “We’re here.”
Joey sat up straight and wiped at his eyes. “Are you still okay with going somewhere to talk?” Trick asked.
Shrugging, Joey nodded. “Just let me get changed first.”
“Sure.”
Trick followed him into the house, but stayed downstairs while Joey headed up to change into dry clothes. He dashed a comb through his hair to straighten it before going back down to the living room. Trick was by himself. Frowning, Joey asked, “Where is everyone?”
“Your parents wanted to take a nap and Anthony and Veronica headed out to shower and change at their place.” Trick stood from the easy chair. “Ready to go?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Joey followed Trick outside.
“Do you mind if I drive?” Trick asked.
Joey didn’t want to be a pretentious asshole, but he certainly didn’t want Trick in his brand-new car with wet clothes and sand from the beach. “That’s fine.”
He climbed into the passenger seat of the black Toyota Tundra Trick had unlocked with his key fob. “Nice truck.”
“Thanks. Just got her a few months ago. Really helps with the landscaping business.”
Awkwardness settled in and Joey forced himself not to fidget while Trick drove. He didn’t pay too much attention to where they were going, but he sat up a little straighter when Trick turned into an apartment complex. Frowning, Joey asked, “I thought we were going to get coffee?”