Page 71 of The Beat of My Heart

Trevor: You’re right. You up for this Julia?

Julia: Fuck yes! I’ve got my girl, you take care of Dex.

Trevor: Consider it done. Be safe Loki.

Julia: I’ve always wanted a spy friend. I think I’d make an excellent spy, just FYI.

Loki: Noted. Help our man get the girl. Don’t fuck it up.

* * *

Julia:Alright, Trevor. You ready to do this? Get your ass over to Dexter’s and calm him the fuck down. I’ll deal with Lanie.

Trevor: Yes, ma’am. Are you always this bossy?

Julia: I like to consider myself organized but you can call me whatever you want.

Trevor: That, my friend is a dangerous proposition.

Julia: (Rolling eyes emoji) Just take care of your boy, huh?

Trevor: On it.

* * *

Dexter: Hello? I told Lanie everything.

Julia: Dexter, what happened after you told her?

Dexter: She let slip that she couldn’t have children. Then she tried to tell me about her attack. I couldn’t stand to see her in pain, so I told her I knew all about it, and it didn’t make her any less beautiful. Then we sat for a long time, not talking. She cried herself to sleep while I held her. She is spooked this morning, I can tell.

Julia: You’re a good man, Dexter Cross. Your bro’s will be at your house in twenty minutes.I’m going to call Lanes.

“How often are you texting with Trevor?” my mom asks.

“Well, considering Dexter texts us an S.O.S. almost daily, we talk a few times a day, probably. Why?” I ask, feeling an inquisition coming on.

“No reason,” she smiles.

“Yeah, right. We are just texting, mom, to help Lanie. We don’t even talk on the phone and definitely no FaceTime,” I tell her.

“Why not, honey?” she asks.

“Because,” I say but have to reach for a reason. “Because I have Charlie,” I finally say.

“And you’re still heartbroken over Charlie’s dad,” she surmises.

“And I’m still heartbroken over Charlie’s dad,” I echo.

“It will get easier, sweetie, I promise,” she says, pulling me in for another hug.

“God, I fucking hope so,” I mumble and feel her tense.

At least she doesn’t scold me again. If ever there were a time for f-bombs, it would be now.

* * *

Trevor:You asleep?