Page 25 of Out on a Limb

“I’m sorry. I have work tomorrow.”

“No, no, no.” Cameron jumped off his couch and got into pacing mode as if he was in front of a jury. “That is not a valid excuse. We all have things tomorrow, but that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying today.” Cameron didn’t know where he came up with such a good line. He would write it down for his script.

“It does sound fun. Man, I haven’t been to a club in years.”

“Don’t you think that needs to change? There’s still life in you, Walker.”

Cameron heard a crash in the background. Definitely not a TV show.

“Dammit,” Walker said. “I have to go.”

“So is that a yes?”

“Maybe.”

Cameron took that as a victory. “I’ll pick you up in a little bit.”

Φ

It didn’t take long for Cameron to get ready. He wore a tight T-shirt, jeans, and a pair of pristine white sneakers that were sleek but also comfortable for actual dancing.

He strolled down the adorably suburban street, much different than the dirty, unkempt block of his apartment.

Cameron rang the doorbell.

“Dad’s here!” He heard a kid yell from the other side.

Fuck.

The kid yanked the door open. He didn’t hide his disappointment at who he found.

“Hi!” Cameron said with the energy of a tour guide. “Is your dad home?”

Walker chased up to his son with his coat. He also couldn’t hide his surprise at seeing Cameron.

“Hey.” Cameron shrugged his shoulder. “I’m early.”

“Um, yes. You are.”

“I took your maybe as a yes. I figured we could go early so you’d be home at a decent hour.” His eyes drifted to the tiny, dissatisfied stranger below. “I should go.”

“No.” Walker stepped aside. “Come on in.”

Walker rested his free hand on his son’s shoulder.What’s the kid’s name again?Cameron tried imagining the block letters on the wall.Henry? No. Hobnob?

Be serious.

“I thought we weren’t allowed to talk to strangers,” the kid said.

“Hobie, he’s my friend.” Walker had a calm, yet firm tone with his son. Like sexy Mr. Rogers. “This is Cameron.”

Cameron didn’t have little nieces or nephews. Little kids didn’t frequent his Starbucks. His experience with kids was limited to watching them throw temper tantrums in stores and the little girl inBeasts of the Southern Wild. He squatted down and pet Hobie on the head.

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Cameron didn’t know where this enthusiasm was coming from suddenly. He was a helium balloon, and the kid was planning to pop him.

“Hobie.” Walker gave him a nudge on the shoulder.

“Nice to meet you, too.”