He then reached behind him and pulled out a CD in its sleeve that it was clear, all this time, he’d had tucked in the back waistband of his jeans.

“We got more shit to talk about, so listen to this, cher, get rid of the guy you’re seein’ and see you in Baton Rouge.”

He tossed the CD on my coffee table and I was hoping with that he’d walk out.

I was actually not hoping that, of course, but I was telling myself I was hoping that.

He didn’t walk out.

He came to me, took my head on either side in his hands, tipped it back, and laid a hard kiss on my lips that was not wet, but it still curled my toes, made my stomach flutter and wet rush between my legs because this was Preacher. I could smell him, feel those hands on me, and I knew I’d taste those lips when he took them away.

Only when he took them away did he walk away.

But this time, as I pivoted to watch him go, he looked back.

“Love you, baby,” he said. “From the second you held my hand in that motel room, always have and always will.”

This, before he turned the corner into my kitchen and disappeared.

And when he did, I licked my lips.

And tasted Preacher.

McCade:

[Muttering, eyes aimed to the shelves behind the bar]

See you in Baton Rouge.

Fuck, I was an arrogant ass.

[Shoves iced tea glass away and raps with knuckles on the bar before he lifts his chin. In short order, he’s served bourbon. Neat.]

Jesse:

Well, we can just say, Preacher driving down to Phoenix to personally deliver an advance of the album to Lyla was a match to a fuse.

Now, mind you, Vanessa does not know him, so Lyla gives Sonia an earful, Sonia gives Vanessa an earful and Vanessa rips Shawn a new one.

Shawn is back in Louisiana, sorting shit for the gig so he’s not close to, you know, say, high five Preacher and then have his ass reamed even more by his wife.

We’re all getting ready to head out there to do some rehearsals and get our shit tight for the show, but for six weeks after Preacher pulled that stunt, kid you not, six weeks, I can barely keep my cell phone charged, it’s ringing so damned often, and when it isn’t, it’s glued to my ear.

Sonia up in my shit to get Preacher to fuck off.

Jules the same.

Penny and Lana both wanting to know what’s up Lyla’s ass that she just doesn’t take Preacher back.

Mom, torn between her two unofficially adopted kids, wanting what they both want, which might be contradictory, so she’s screwed.

Dave and Tim picking sides.

Dave, he picks Lyla.

Tim, Preacher.

Then I get the call.

The fuckin’ call.