Page 95 of Beating Heart

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King likes to share. What’s going on?

River

He’s in a relationship for the first time in a very long time, and he doesn’t know how to process those feelings.

Hayes

What kind of response is that, River? You sound like a fucking therapist.

King

He’s married to one, so now he’s an expert.

River

Hey, that’s what Ruby told me when I said Nash seemed a little edgy when I saw him yesterday.

Romeo

I don’t think it’s the relationship. I think it’s the fact that he doesn’t have control of what’s going to happen with her. Where it’s going or if it’ll end when she leaves.

King

Proud of you, Ro. That was very deep, brother.

You can all fuck off. I’m fine.

Hayes

That lame response is not going to support your claim of being fine. You don’t sound fucking fine.

River

Speak, asshole. You can talk to us.

Things are good. Really fucking good. But she’s got interviews every week, and she’s leaving. Today, she has an interview with a children’s hospital in Boston. And that’s where she wants to go.

King

Maybe in the end, she won’t want to leave. What makes you so sure?

Because she came here after she called off her wedding from the last dickhead she dated. I’m the fucking rebound guy. I’m not the forever guy. And I’m worried about Cutler. He’s getting too fucking attached.

King

You are nobody’s rebound, brother. You’re the gold standard. She’s smart, and she knows it. But damn, I love the chowder in Boston.

Hayes

Who gives a shit about chowder, jackass?

River

Anyway, it sounds like you and Cutler are both getting attached. And I think that terrifies the shit out of you. Don’t run from it, brother. Fight for it.

Romeo

Have you talked to her about staying?

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