Page 94 of A Quick Buck

Once inside his bedroom, Noah fiddled around in his closet picking out a new outfit so he could continue eavesdropping. Maybe this conversation wouldn’t be as fruitful as he’d hoped, but it was still worth a shot.

“Tiramisu? Huh? What?” Roger sounded like he was smiling. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Uh-huh. Don’t worry. Scout is bringing some tonight just for you.”

“I love you.”

“I know.” Crybaby got quiet for a moment. “So, you really wanna take Mickey out somewhere? Like, in public?”

“Yeah. Why not?”

“Him and public don’t usually get along from what I recall.”

“Oh, pffft, he’ll be fine. Since we got engaged, he’s mellowed out a lot.”

“Uh-huh.”

Other than Roger liking tiramisu, Noah didn’t think he was going to pick up anything else useful. If what they were saying was right, and Alistair owned several clubs—

“Is Kiss where Carbone’s little boy toy works?” Roger wondered out loud. “Odie, right?”

Noah nearly fell over before he reached the closet door in order to stop himself from walking out too soon.

“Yeah. Alistair sent him a little somethin’. You know, to express our condolences.” Crybaby sighed. “Junior’s been going by there to check on him when he can. This babysitting gig is kinda full-time, you know.”

“Yeah, and how long is that gonna last?”

Noah gulped.

There was a pause, and Crybaby didn’t say anything.

Roger groaned dramatically. “Yes, I know he’s in the damn closet. I don’t care.”

“I’m not saying shit where he can hear me. Besides, you already know it’s not up to me.”

Noah finally did poke his head out, asking urgently, “Yeah, well, who the fuck is it up to, huh?”

“Mr. Star,” Crybaby replied with a roll of her eyes. “Nosy ass.”

“And?” Noah scowled. “Did he say something? What’s going on?”

“I would say judging by howwellyou two are getting along that you ain’t got anything to worry about. Just keep doin’ whatever the hell you’re doin’, okay?”

“Oh.” Noah didn’t realize he was smiling until he caught Roger staring at him.

Roger studied Noah’s face intently, and he suddenly laughed. “Ha! You like the old man!”

“What?” Noah scoffed, his face heating up.

“Youlikehim, and you two have been doing the fuckin’ nasty, huh?” Roger’s grin was almost maniacal. “And oh, Iknowit’s nasty. I used to listen to that freaky shit.”

“What?” Noah repeated. He hadn’t been expecting that, and he had no idea what to say.

“I useddd tooo listennn to that freakyyy shit,” Roger drawled at ultra-slow speed. “Fuck, do you not hear okay? Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” Noah gritted his teeth.

“If you got Alistair Star’s fuckin’ attention, all I’m saying is you must have a shining golden asshole.” Roger winked. “Good for you, kid.”