Page 76 of Pretty Poison

Rocky stiffened, then turned to find Felix and Jonah in the crowd. “Yes, I do. Give me just a second to step away from a party.”

“Oh, I don’t want to disrupt your evening.”

“It’s no problem,” Rocky assured Grant, waving to get his friends’ attention. Felix and Jonah stood up and headed toward him, and Rocky nodded his head toward the house so they’d follow. He turned and held up his index finger to Asher, who looked more curious than annoyed.

The guys followed Rocky to his office, which was way too small for the three of them. “Okay,” he said, “I’m going to put you on speakerphone so my podcast partners can hear you too.”

“Oh, great. Hi, guys.” Felix and Jonah both said hello in return. “Listen,” Grant said, “against my better judgment, my mom has agreed to meet with you.”

Rocky forgot their close quarters and nearly punched Felix in the face when he did his celebration fist pump. Felix playfully pushed Rocky’s shoulders while Jonah scowled at both of them.

“That came out sounding wrong,” Grant said. “I didn’t mean to imply I think you’re bad people.”

“We get it,” Felix assured him. “Your mom has been through a lot, and you’re just looking to protect her. I respect that.”

“We all do,” Jonah said, reaching out to rub the tip of Felix’s nose. Rocky squelched a laugh because Felix was such a brownnoser when it suited him.

Unaware of their immature antics, Grant continued, “I can’t promise she will participate in the podcast, but she’d like to meet with you to discuss it.”

“Fair enough,” Rocky said, liking their odds. “When would be a good time for your mom?”

“She and her friend will be leaving on a much-deserved cruise on Friday. She has a lot to do before then, so her only free evening is Wednesday. Will that work for you?”

Rocky had a therapy appointment, but he could easily reschedule it. “I’m free,” he said. “What about you guys?”

“I need to juggle a few things, but I’ll make it happen,” Felix said.

Jonah checked his phone. “I’m free. What time?”

“Would six thirty work?” Grant asked.

They all agreed.

“Thanks, Grant,” Rocky said.

“Don’t thank me yet, fellas. My mother is a handful.” He got quiet for a second. “And don’t make me regret this.” Grant hung up before they could assure him of their good intentions.

“Well, Major,” Felix said. “It looks like you’re going to get your crack at solving the mysteries of Tess Hamilton.”

“No way she’ll resist your charm,” Jonah said.

“Just try not to scare her with your intimidating stare, big guy,” Felix said as he reached for the door. “I gotta get out of this tiny space. One of you added too many onions to your chili.”

They followed Felix out into the hallway.

“I’ll try not to scare her if you try not to shove your nose too far up her ass,” Jonah told Felix.

“It’d be the most excitement she’s had in a long time,” Felix countered. He pointed at Rocky. “Don’t lay your charm on too thick, or you might suffocate the poor woman.”

The three of them jerked to a stop when they reached the archway between the kitchen and the living room. Dandridge stood at the stove, eating chili directly from the pot.

“Come on,” Felix said. “Surely your mama taught you better manners.”

Dandridge snapped his head up. The guilt and shame etched on his face might’ve been comical if the man weren’t truly devastated. “This is so wrong.”

Jonah patted his shoulder. “Buddy, we caught you eating chili, not sucking some other dude’s dick.”

Dandridge dropped the spoon into the chili pot, then wiped the back of his hand over his mouth. Rocky was grossed out by both reactions. “My boyfriend would rather I suck someone else’s dick than eat meat or dairy.”