Ethan came over and said, “Beck running late? You two usually walk in together.” Patrick wasn’t surprised that Ethan had noticed that. The man had proved over the years that he was perceptive.
“Yeah, he called a minute ago to tell me he’s up to his ass in alligators but that he’d be here.”
Ethan grinned. “Honeybees are keeping him really busy this year?”
Patrick grinned and nodded. “Yeah. Business has been great. We haven’t seen much of him this week at all.”
“I hear from the ladies, including Gracie, how much they love his beeswax products. He’s really developed a following with them and I can see how this could develop into something huge for him.”
Patrick shrugged. “Beck is pretty laid back. He may hire help but he likes being a one-man operation. Lucy helps whenever he’ll let her.”
Ethan raised an eyebrow and grinned. “She’s another one that I hear is keeping really busy. Tabitha Lester still giving her fits?”
Patrick nodded. “Yeah. She’s not letting it get her down though. The business that she lost in the beginning has all been replaced. I was a little worried about her not taking time for herself but she told me that she and Madeleine Sinclair are trading massages twice a month.”
“That’s good. I’d hate to see her taking care of everyone else and neglecting her own needs. Maybe you guys should take some massage classes and take care of her at home, too.”
Patrick chuckled. “I’m actually already looking into that.”
“Your lady is sure to appreciate it.”
Patrick grinned, thinking that was an understatement. She’d talked him into giving her another massage just a couple of nights before. Beck had been in on that one and it’d gone over really well with their woman.
“How are things going with that investigation you told us about, for Chloe Rhodes and her sister?”
“We’re planning a meeting soon. Mel and Connor are still working with Ace and Kemp, trying to iron out some details before they set their plan in motion. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear when the meeting is scheduled for. Want another?” Ethan asked as Patrick emptied the glass.
“Sure.”
Patrick’s phone started ringing as Ethan placed the full glass in front of him.
“Hello?”
“Hi, honey, it’s me,” Lucy said. He smiled at the sound of her soft voice.
“Hey, what’s up?”
“Um. I need to ask you something.” Her tone sounded worried which in turn worried him.
“Val Teller just called me. He said he keeps having a muscle spasm and he wondered if I could give him a massage. He’s in town right now.”
Patrick sighed but before he could speak she cut him off.
“If it bothers you, I’ll send him to Madeleine. He only needs an upper body massage.”
Beck tipped his chin up in silent greeting as he took the seat next to Patrick at the bar.
“Luce, don’t second-guess yourself, okay? This is your job, baby. If you’re comfortable massaging Val then we are, too. We know he’s a good guy, but more importantly, we trust you.”
“You sure? I’m afraid Beck is going to—”
“Beck feels the same way I do, Luce,” Patrick said and glanced at Beck as he smiled at Ethan and paid for his beer.
Beck looked him in the eye, smirked, and then crooked his finger at Patrick’s phone. “Let me talk to her, man.”
“Luce, Beck wants to talk to you.”
“Um, okay.” She sounded really hesitant.
Beck put the phone to his ear. “Hey, sweetness. How is your day?” His tone was soft and loving, setting her at ease, Patrick hoped. Beck looked at Patrick as he listened to her soft voice explaining. “Bottom line, I trust you. This is your business and you’re good at it. My personal feelings have nothing to do with it, baby. And he’s not so bad. We talked a bit last weekend at the rally while you and Patrick rode in the parade and I think we understand each other. Okay. I love you, too. Here’s Patrick.”
“Luce?”
“I believe in miracles. That’s all I’m saying,” she whispered with a giggle. “I’m going to call Val back and let him know I can massage him now. You’re sure it’s not a problem for you?”
“Not at all. I love you, little tiger. See you tonight.”
Lucy giggled. “I love when you call me that. I love you, too.” He ended the call and replaced his phone.
Beck had a slight smile on his face before he took a sip of his Shiner Bock. “How’d that feel going down?” he asked as he looked at Patrick knowingly.
“Stuck a little in my throat, but I lived.”