A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

19 | Weakness

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Garrett

"Is this what you want, Garrett?"

Mist covered the lake as the sun rose. The remaining verdant grass had a glossy, metallic sheen. Garrett lowered his cap and pulled his jacket on as he faced Ramón. He had spent hours awake and didn't get much sleep. He stopped at his friend's house before going into town to get some things. Before running into Imani.

Despite the cold, Ramón stood in his sneakers and boxers. The red lines on his shoulders and chest, as well as the tangles in his hair, led Garrett to suspect his friend wasn't alone.

He ignored Ramón's question and pointed to the inside of the house. "How did you manage to hook up with somebody after Isaiah's party last night?"

"That's for me to know, buddy."

"Don't do that to me. Where did you go?"

Ramón cracked a smile. "The mood changed when you and Imani left. God, Isaiah wouldn't shut up about you two. The man wore his emotions on his sleeve. He hates being around you."

"Yeah, what else is new?"

"Well, both of you left just as we were passing around cigars. Padróns, which weren't that bad."

"Okay. And then you drove to the Paradise Lounge?"

"Of course."

"I'm sure you ran into Courtney Hawthorne."

Ramón laughed and met Garrett's gaze. "I saw her, among other people."

"Who was it, then, if not her?"

"Whoever I hook up with is my business."

Garrett shook his head. "Old habits tend to die hard. You rarely share anything with me."

"It's the truth. Although Courtney was fun to hang out with. She kept me laughing." Ramón shook out his shoulders and smiled broadly. "I should get back inside. My guest is waiting for me."

"Your guest, huh?" Garrett snorted and noticed a t-shirt on the floor beside the couch. His jaw dropped when he saw the name. "Why is Axel's shirt here?" His brow went up. "Is he here?"

As if annoyed by his question, Ramón put one hand on the door frame and the other on his hip. He stared intensely at Garrett. "Why would it matter if he were here?"

"It wouldn't. I'm just surprised he slept with his boss."

Ramón crossed his arms and pursed his lips. "Axel will leave Paradise Lounge before I take over after the holidays. That way, we can keep it personal and avoid crossing any lines."

"Hm. Makes sense. All that matters is that you're happy."

"Thanks for your input."

Garrett let out a small laugh and took a deep breath before glancing at his phone. "Anyway, thanks for your help. I have absolutely no clue where our tools and ladder disappeared to, and I can't reach Regina."

"Be careful with my stuff." Ramón stepped back and turned to go to his bedroom. "By the way, you left me hanging with my question."

Garrett opened his truck door. "About what?"

"It had to do with you and Imani. Are you sure you want to do this for her? She has made it pretty clear she doesn't want you around. Or at least spend as much time with her as you have."

"I know that, and we're friends. Things will not go wrong this time."

"I don't think her concept of friendship is exactly up your alley."