I rub the back of my neck, frustration overfilling me.
“I love the way you call just to cheer me up, Jake,” I growl.
“Sorry, brother. You know I’m right, though. There are great opportunities here. I could get you in the bars around here. Just last week, some damn act that plays for the rodeo circuit from time to time got signed. You could hit it big here. We both know you have the talent, man. You’re wasting so much staying there.”
“Jake—”
“What’s the point, Reed? What are you hoping to accomplish staying in Macon? Do you think that Callie will finally wise up and kick Mitch to the curb and tell you she still loves you? The whole world has moved on, Reed.”
“Fuck you,” I snap.
Jake hisses. “I know I’m being a bastard, and I know it hurts to hear it, but it’s true. Callie isn’t the same woman you once loved. Hell, you’re not even the same man. It’s time you move on before you lose whatever future you could have.”
“You know, Jake, just because you hated Macon, that doesn’t mean the rest of us do. Maybe I don’t want to leave. Did you ever think of that?”
“Bullshit. We both know why you’re still there, Reed. At least don’t try to lie about that. You’re still in that hole in the wall of a town and it’s not because you love Macon. It’s because of Callie Street. There’s no way to deny that, buddy.”
“Callie Lane,” I correct him. The words cut me open inside, but I need them as a reminder.
Silence.
I rub the back of my neck again. My skin is hot and yet, I feel about as cold as you can get inside.
“Okay, complete honesty here,” Jake says, and I grimace because so far this conversation has been about as much fun as having all my teeth pulled without medication.
“Shoot,” I prompt because he seems like he’s waiting for something.
“There’s an open mic at Buster’s here on the third Friday of every month. Man, several of bands have been signed. I think it could be your steppingstone.”
“And?”
“Hell, Reed,” he barks. “Are you going to make me spell it out?”
“I’m an asshole like that.”
“I feel out of control here. Fuck, I feel like a pansy for saying it, but I could really use having you with me for a bit.”
“The nightmares?”
“Yeah,” he admits grudgingly. Jake’s father died in a bad car wreck. Jake had been following him in his truck, so he saw it all. He even held his father’s hand while he died. It’s scarred him. Fuck, I don’t see how it couldn’t. I don’t even like my dad and it would mark me if I were in Jake’s shoes.
“Let me see if I can head out for a bit.”
“Fuck, yeah,” he breathes.
“Don’t get too excited. It won’t be permanent.”
“Unless you like it,” Jake says. “You might find life is easier without Callie right there in front of you all the time.”
“Is that how it is for you when it comes to Katie?” I snipe.
“It sure as fuck helps, Reed. I’m not going to lie. I miss her, but there’s only so much you can do when she won’t stand with you to follow your dreams, you know?”
“I get it. Did you ever regret not making being with Callie your dream, Jake?”
“You mean Katie,” he answers, making me realize that I’d used Callie’s name. God.
“Yeah,” I respond.
“Sometimes,” he admits. “But, Reed?”
“Yeah,” I answer again.
“You made Callie your dream. Things never work out if someone gives up everything to be with the person they want.”
“You’re drinking,” I mutter, rubbing my jaw and chin roughly, wishing I didn’t have a gig tonight.
“How can you tell?” he laughs.
“You always go philosophical when you drink,” I respond, making him laugh harder.
“You’ll let me know?” he says, and for a moment, his voice goes bleak, and that’s when I know that no matter how bad I imagine his nightmares are this time—they’re worse.
“I’ll let you know. For now, I better get. I’ve got a gig tonight.”
“Yeah, I know. Jeff called and said he and Katie were going.”
“You guys talking?”
“Jeff’s not Mitch. He’s a good guy. If Katie had to end up with anyone besides me, I’m glad it was him. Besides, they got a kid. They’re building a family,” he says.
Guilt swamps me and I clear my throat.
“You said you never wanted kids, Jake. You’ve always said that.”
“I know,” he responds. “I still don’t. It still stings, though. I’m not going to lie.”
“I get that,” I mutter.
“We’re a pair,” Jake laughs, his laughter dark with a touch of anger.
“That we are. I better get.”
“Talk to you soon, amigo.”
I roll my eyes. “Talk to you soon.”
I hang up and close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. Maybe going to California and starting over is the best thing to do. It sure has to be better than the way I’ve been living my life. Besides, Jake is right. It’s time I distance myself from Callie completely.