On The Rocks

I swear I can hear Gabby snort inside her mind, because “dating” isn’t exactly how this started out. More like banging each other’s brains out, but it’s definitely not that anymore. I mean, yeah, we still tear it up in the bedroom, but I think we’ve both solidly, if not silently, agreed this is way more than just sex.

“I’ve known Gabby my whole life. She’s Casey’s best friend. It just sort of happened when I got back into town.”

“Ah,” Keith says in understanding, but I’m sure he really understands nothing because what Gabby and I have is surreal and unique, and can’t be boiled down to a few words.

Leaning down, I give Gabby a kiss on her temple. “I’m going to hang with Keith for a while today. Want to meet us back out here tonight for some drinks? John and Sasha are going to be in some time around eight.”

“Sure,” she tells me with a smile and a gentle pat on my chest with her hand. “I’ll see you tonight.”

Gabby starts to turn away, but I reach out and grab her hand. She turns to me, this time with a bit of surprise on her face, and tilts her head to the side. There’s nothing I really want to say, so I just step in and skim my fingers under her jaw, just before I lean in to give her a soft kiss on her lips. “See you tonight.”

She gives a tiny sigh, which causes that panging sensation in my chest as I pull away. Quirking her lips at me, she winks and turns away.

Looking back at Keith, he’s watching me thoughtfully while chewing on the end of his sunglasses. He seems to be almost appraising and then judging my interaction with Gabby, and it starts to get my hackles up.

“What?” I ask as I walk back into the bar, Keith following me.

“Nothing,” he says.

“Bullshit… what’s the look for?”

“It’s just I’ve never seen you act that way with a woman before, and trust me… I’ve seen you around plenty of women.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, stopping mid-stride and turning around to face him. “You’ve seen me be that way with Sasha before.”

“No, man. Not like that. Never like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’d never walk away from that,” he points out quietly. “Is she why you’re having a hard time making a decision?”

My immediate gut reaction tells me to deny, because the reason I’m hesitant is that I’m afraid to leave Brody. But the minute he mentions Gabby in conjunction with me leaving the Outer Banks to go back on tour, I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, which does not bode well for me.

Shaking it off, I clap Keith on the back. “No, she’s not the reason. It’s the same reason I left the tour, and you know what I’m talking about. Now, let’s get out of here so we can talk about it.”

Keith nods, and we head out. I fully intend to discuss with him and use him as my sounding board about my concerns for Brody. Even if I take the endorsements and commit to competing next year, I’m not sure I can just pack up and leave right now to get back on the circuit. I’d need time to get Last Call situated and decide if Brody can handle it. If not, could I sell it… or hire someone trustworthy to manage it.

No, my decision about whether to go back on tour has nothing to do with Gabby and has everything to do with Brody, and whether or not I could leave my brother when he is clearly still so lost.





I hold these truths to be self-evident.

I’m so fucking in love with Hunter, and yes, I know I’m quoting the Declaration of Independence to summarize my feelings at this point, but that’s a damn good clause.