Chapter 56

“You know,” Billy said, “maybe we should just stay here for a month or two, and I’ll get a job. Byron says his sister could use me at her office in Metairie.” He finally looked back at Xavier. “And you could find work at a garage, like you said.”

“You hate New Orleans, and yet you wanna stay here for two months?” Xavier blew out a hard breath. He didn’t need thisright now. This doubt. “Listen…let’s go back to our room and talk about it. We’ll stay in tonight. No more partying. We’ll discuss things. Together, Billy.” He caught a few curious people looking their way. Didn’t want to make a scene. “I swear, I still have a good plan,” he whispered. “Please don’t lose faith in me.”

Billy stuck his hands down the front pockets of his pale blue jeans, glancing over at the small crowd now gathered near the tombs. “I’m just—tired and missing normal.”