In Your Honor Read Free

have a girl or two that are kinda into the brokenhearted
thing. I'm sure they'd make him forget his sorrows. At least for a
few hours.”
    Sway pursed his lips and thought about
it. “What do you say, Blake? You want some female companionship
tonight?”
    Blake twisted his head to glare at the
both of them. “No.”
    Sway grimaced apologetically at
Tabitha. “Sorry, gorgeous. Not tonight.”
    She nodded solemnly. “It's too bad. I
hope he gets over her eventually.”
    Tabitha and Zeke knew the story well.
The whole shop knew. Whiskey made Blake a talker and they'd all
been regaled with his tale of lost love and heartache. Although
tonight, he was more somber than usual.
    “ How's it look?” Blake
stood up for Sway to inspect after Zeke had finished applying the
ointment.
    Sway pushed his blonde hair out of his
face and squinted at the black ink scrawled across Blake's left
side ribs in delicate lines that seemed somehow appropriate within
the turbulent, roiling storm. He pursed his lips as he read the
words that stood out on the angry, red skin.
    this Honored heart bears
Lucky scars
    Sway blew the air out of his lungs.
“Looks good, Blake.” It did look good, but Sway knew Blake would be
seriously pissed in the morning. He always did this. Took it too
far. Sway would never understand.
    “ I think I'm ready to go
home now.” Blake's eyes sagged at the corners and Sway could see
the fight in him had waned considerably. Maybe adding the words had
finally settled things in his mind after all.
    Sway nodded and helped his friend get
a cab. The long ride back across town was silent and Blake leaned
his head against the window, staring listlessly at the passing
buildings. Sway went to exit the vehicle with Blake but was stopped
by his friend.
    “ It's all right man, I've
pretty much sobered up now.” Blake met his eyes briefly and then
looked at his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets.
    “ You feeling okay?” Sway
frowned, trying to decide if he should go with his gut or listen to
the guitarist.
    “ No,” Blake answered
honestly. “But I'd rather be alone if that's okay.”
    Sway looked up at the building,
knowing that Harrison and Mike would be nearby if something should
arise. He would text them and give a heads-up. “Right. Well, call
me if you need me.”
    “ Thanks, man.” Blake
nodded his appreciation, his mouth maintaining a hard
line.
    Sway stepped out of the cab briefly to
give Blake a 'man-hug' before heading to his own apartment. He sent
a quick text to his bandmates and tried to let go of the uneasiness
that wanted to settle in the pit of his stomach.
    ***
    Blake leaned back heavily against his
door as it closed behind him. Nope, he hadn't gotten nearly drunk
enough. He would no doubt dream about her tonight, but he wouldn't
have the luxury of not being able to remember it.
    He tossed his keys on the coffee table
as he took slow steps towards his bed. His empty, unmade bed. He
stripped off his coat and t-shirt and collapsed on the thick
comforter. He pushed the pillows onto the floor and rolled onto his
back. Bringing his hand up, he gingerly touched the gauze that
covered his latest marking.
    “ Please be happy.” He
whispered his wish to the ceiling before passing out.
    ***
    Carl winked at the waitress as she
refilled his coffee, and he took pleasure in seeing her blush. He
had been waiting in the corner booth for close to forty-five
minutes now and Lenny still hadn't showed. Not that she was late.
Well, she was kind of late, for Lenny. Ever since she had ceased to
be Lenny Evans, assistant extraordinaire, and became Lenny Casey,
super hot wife of equally hot rock star, she had different
priorities. Mostly, she ran on time now instead of a half hour
early.
    He saw a flash of golden hair enter
the restaurant and he waved her over.
    “ Hey, Carl,” Lenny greeted
him with a wide smile as she slid into the booth, her cheeks
rosy.
    “ Hey, kid,” Carl grunted
in return, suppressing his own smile