Chapter 48

“Shit.”

“And my Visa. Well, it’s maxed out, so he won’t go far on that.”

Xavier took a deep breath. “Billy, listen to me. We’re about to enter New Orleans. Party central. Where everybody is looking for a good time and somebody else to pay for it. The Big Easy. It’s gonna be crazy. It’s gonna be all new to us.” Xavier’s eyes met his. “Are you gonna do it my way from now on? Just close the gates for a while. Don’t let anyone too close. And. Don’t. Hug. Anymore. Strangers.”

Billy nodded, staring into Xavier’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“It’s okay.” Xavier looked back at the highway.

“I’ll find work right away. I’ll make up for the lost cash.”

“It’s okay,” Xavier said again, but his features were tense. “Don’t worry about it.”

But it didn’t feel okay at all. “You think this is a bad omen?”

Xavier’s eye twitched a little, but he smiled. “Nah, no such thing.”

“It feels like one to me.” Billy sighed.