I asked, taking a seat on a single dining room chair that was totally out of place. He sealed a box with packing tape. “Told Jacy I’d be ready to cohabitate by Monday.” “Jumping in with both feet, huh?” “Damn right. I prepaid six months of rent as an act of good faith.” Eli shoved the box aside and stood up with hands on both hips. “I’ve had enough hustling and random fucking. It’s time to sit up straight and act like a man. Conway, I’ve got two kids and I’ve never spent more than two consecutive days being a dad. I’m lucky as hell that Jacy’s willing to give me another chance to be with her, plus I’ll get to see Annie every day.” “What about your other kid?” “Dario’s mom is starting to come around. I got all caught up on child support so she’s willing to let me have him every other weekend as long as I’m living in a real place and not a seedy flophouse.” “Flophouse? I’ll have you know that the Hotel San Gabriel was once the premier destination for business travelers forced to visit Phoenix in her hellacious pre-air conditioning era.” He snorted. “Sounds like you’re quoting one of the travel brochures still hanging down in the lobby.” “I am. Well, loosely paraphrasing anyway.” Eli sat down on the bed across from me, looking serious and sad all of a sudden. “Seems like losing Jackson has changed the feel of the place anyway. You ought to think about moving on. I’ve seen you with your girl, Con. You’ve been happier these past few months than I can remember you ever being and I’ve known you for a while. She’s the quality type and you shouldn’t fuck this up.” “Think I’ll take that end table,”
