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“That’s not what she said.”
“That’s exactly what she said.”
“She said reducing the amount of beef we consume, not completely eliminating it.”
He swiped across his forehead dramatically. “Phew! That’s a relief.” His expression turned thoughtful. “Now I’m craving a New York strip.”
Skylar laughed and switched the channel to music, filling the car with the latest pop tunes.
“Better.” Franky smiled over at her. “You’re so knowledgeable and well-informed.”
“I feel like my brain is always working and wanting to learn new things.”
He shook his head. “Once I step outside the office or the courtroom, I’d rather not think about anything at all. My job requires me to pay attention to every little detail. And at times, it’s too much, and my brain feels totally fried.”
“I didn’t know you felt like that. I bet it’s difficult not thinking about your cases when you’re away from work.”
“I try to compartmentalize what I learn about these people and the fact that their freedom sometimes depends on me, but I don’t always succeed. It can be a heavy burden sometimes.” He didn’t usually get so deep with people, and he glanced over at Skylar, who was giving him a sympathetic look. “I didn’t tell you all that to make you feel bad for me. I was simply explaining why I’d rather listen to the latest cheesy pop song than have some woman tell me why I shouldn’t eat a burger.”
Skylar’s laugh was so light and carefree. He could walk out of the courtroom after the biggest loss of his career, and just hearing that laugh would make it all better.
Being with her so much lately was filling the need for companionship he’d been feeling since he returned from Europe. He didn’t like being alone, and her friendship had become invaluable to him.
They soon arrived at Sebastian’s townhouse, and Skylar pressed the doorbell. The door opened a minute later, and Franky was surprised at the sight of Sebastian—dark circles under his eyes, still wearing the day’s work clothes, and looking thinner than usual.
“Dude, you’re a mess,” Franky said.
Skylar slapped the back of her hand against his chest.
“No, he’s right,” Sebastian told her. “I am a mess. I don’t know how to get over her.”
This was bad. Worse than after Serena’s betrayal.
“We’re here to help,” Franky said as lightheartedly as he could. “First step. Get out of the house. We’re taking you to Sunset Grill tonight.”
Sebastian groaned. “I don’t know, you guys. I’m not really in the mood.”
“You’ll feel better once you get there,” Skylar said.
“And get some fish tacos in your belly,” Franky added.
Sebastian didn’t look so sure.
“I get it. You’d rather stay home and mope and feel sorry for yourself,” Franky said. “I’ve been there. But I got through it, and you will too. Just do what I always do.”
Both Schultzes were staring at him now.
“Fake it till you make it. Don’t feel like smiling? Fake it. Don’t want to laugh? Fake it. Eventually, you’ll start to feel better, and you’ll smile and laugh for real again.” He should know. It was practically his life’s mantra.
Sebastian gave him a weak smile. “I’ll try.”
“Besides, when have you ever turned down fish tacos?”
“True,” he replied. “Come in, and I’ll get changed.”
Skylar and Franky sat down in the living room and exchanged concerned glances as Sebastian went to change.
“You didn’t tell me he was this bad off,” Franky whispered.