Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 90

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Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 90

Margo did hug him then, almost crushing the sleek cardboard packaging between them. She
smelled like cigarettes, but Eli didn’t mind. She smelled like backstage and late-night toil. She
smelled of home.
“No bullshit,” she said in his ear. “I love you, man.”
He got an arm around her, too, and squeezed back. “Love you too.” Then, after waiting a
perfectly timed beat: “Want to help me pick out a harness?”
Margo laughed and pulled away. If her eyes were a little red, Eli was too much of a friend to
mention it. “I want nothing more.”

-- 197 of 228 --

With her help, Eli selected a modestly sized and not-at-all intimidating model and its
accessories. The cashier wrapped everything in nondescript brown paper
before placing it in an unmarked shopping bag. Eli was going to give this place the best Yelp
review ever.
When Margo dropped him off, Eli could see his parents still hadn’t returned. Great news for the
bag of sex toys he was about to tote into his childhood bedroom.
“Hey. Amigo.” Margo leaned out of the driver’s-side window, cigarette smoldering in her fingers.
Eli obligingly paced over to her side of the car. “I mean it. Whatever you decide, I’m still on your
team. But I also selfishly really, really want you in LA.”
“We’ll see,” Eli said. “One step at a time.”
“Yeah, of course. California, baby.” Margo sketched a “hang loose” gesture. “You and me. Mull it
over. That’s all I ask.”
He nodded. “Tell your folks I said Happy Belated Hanukkah.”
“Tell yours I said Merry Belated Christmas.”
Eli stood on the driveway and waved as she pulled out and disappeared around the bend in the
road.