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“If Sarah invited you, she wants you to come”

“It’s not Sarah I’m worried about Jess hates me And let’s face it You and me—we’re friends Josh and I are friends Sara invited me to be peacemaker, I think”

“And you’re not comfortable with that”

“The whole situation sucks shit, and we both know it But Josh is … was … my best friend I’ve never taken sides, but…”

“I think it’s great you want to be there for him, Rick God knows he won’t accept any support from me”

Rick angled him a curious look “Would you even offer it?”

“I don’t know” Toh him “It’s too weird But I don’t hate hi I never did”

Rick nodded “I know that I think Josh probably knows that, too”

“Well, he could probably stand to see a friendly face, so I don’t see why you shouldn’t coh why she has a bug up her ass about you is more than I know”

Did Rick’s cheeks flush the slightest bit? It was hard to tell with the early su his face

“I caave a half-smile “Don’t knohy I need it because everyone in this town knows me and has since I was in diapers, but I applied for a job with Jack Skillin’s charter operation He wants references”

Tom could understand why Rick hadn’t exactly been aa risk It had nothing to do with his disability and everything to do with his very public drinking problem

“You’re asking me for a reference?”

Rick sighed “Yeah, I am You’re one of the few people who still talks to me in this shit town And before you say it, yes, I knohy that is I’ under control, Tom I know it’s a problem”

“You going to be working the boats?”