He held up his hands then let them fall to his side. “We do what we must.” His expression softened, and he took a step toward me. “Can I kiss you?”

A truck engine pulled into the drive and shut off.

“Zeke’s home.”

“So?” Peter said.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

He shrugged. “At least you’re not sneaking around.”

“I’m going to tell him why.”

He shrugged again.

I shook my head as Zeke came in the front door with Watts. I could smell the whiskey on him.

Watts held up his hands. “I tried to stop him, Naomi. I swear to God.”

“Are you insane?” I yelled. My words came out harsher than I’d meant.

Zeke frowned. “The doc said occasionally.”

“It smells like you drank for the entire year. What are you doing, Zeke?”

“Celebrating,” he slurred.

I looked at Watts, who didn’t answer. “Celebrating what?”

Zeke gestured to Peter. “Why, you hanging out with your ex while I’m gone, of course.”

Watts made a face. “You didn’t know that until we got here. Shut up.”

“I knew something was up,” Zeke said, kicking the door shut.

“Hey!” I yelled.

Zeke pointed at Peter. “This is not fucking cool, Naomi, and you know it!”

I took a deep breath. “Okay, calm down. There is a very good explanation. I told him he’s just a friend, that everything we had is over. He doesn’t believe me. I owe him a favor, and he’s calling it in.”

“And what’s that?” Zeke asked.

“Naomi,” Peter prodded.

I glared at Peter. “How does this solve anything? He’ll kick your ass. You’ll call the police. The press will catch wind of everything, and everything you’ve been hiding will unravel. Nothing changes. No one wins,” I said.

“Then explain to Zeke how favors work for people like us.”

I breathed out through my nose, looking away. “This is so stupid.”

“What’s going on?” Watts asked.

I pointed to the door. “Take Zeke outside.”

Zeke’s brows pulled together. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I pointed again. “Take him outside, goddamn it!”

Watts reached for Zeke, but Zeke shoved him back. “Don’t fucking touch me. I’m staying. What’s the favor, Naomi?”

I stared at him. “It won’t mean anything to me.”

“What’s the favor?” he asked again.

I looked away. “Please go outside,” I begged. I looked at him, and he shook his head.

“Tell me,” he insisted.

I glared at Peter. “Then you’ll leave us alone? Forever.”

Peter shrugged. “I don’t think I’ll have to.”

“Yes or no,” I demanded.

“Yes,” Peter said quickly.

“What’s the favor?” Zeke screamed.