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could.
    “Point taken,” he said, giving her a half smile. “Did I ever thank you for that?”
    “You didn’t barf in my closet. That was thanks enough.”
    Jake cringed. “Lovely.”
    She moved behind him and gripped his shoulders, squeezing a little before leaning down and draping her arms loosely over his chest. It was an intimate gesture, and if anyone walked in on them now, they’d probably think the two of them were lovers.
    He and Lynn would both laugh hysterically at that notion, of course.
    “You know I’m always going to be here no matter what, J. If I can help you avoid some of these things, I will. But I know you’re going to do what you’re going to do.”
    Jake lifted his hand, resting it over one of Lynn’s. “Yeah, well. I can’t even deny that.”
    She gave him a half-hug before letting up, then using the mirror above the sink to straighten her hair. Jake smiled. That was just the perfect example of Lynn’s personality.
    “I’m just trying to be a good friend, you know? With Carrie gone, he doesn’t have anybody. He works at home, he doesn’t really go out all that often…”
    Lynn grinned. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to know you think he’s a total shut-in.”
    He scoffed. “You know what I mean.”
    “I do. And I know it’s a load of bullshit. You’re a good friend. I’m living proof of that, and I’ll testify on your behalf whenever you want. But honey, the stuff you do for me? It isn’t the same as the stuff you do for Russ.”
    She was right about that. Jake had always considered himself a loyal friend. He’d answered his phone in the dead of night and started up his car in the middle of winter to pick up Lynn from a creepy guy’s house before. But he jumped at the chance to do even the tiniest thing for Russ.
    It was starting to look a little pathetic.
    “So how do I help him as a friend?”
    Lynn leaned against the counter once more, crossing one ankle over the other. Jake almost laughed at the glitter-covered sneakers she was wearing underneath what was likely a very expensive outfit.
    “You help when he asks, and not before. He’ll come to you if he needs you. No more of this doing things behind his back stuff. Okay?”
    Jake nodded grudgingly. “Okay.”
    Before he could say anything else, his phone rang again. He pulled it out and saw Russ’s picture on the screen. Shooting a glance up to Lynn—who was looking back at him with one brow raised—he answered the phone.
    “Anything new?”
    “They want me to pick a hospital for the surgery. How the hell am I supposed to know which hospital is better for this? Northwest has a good peds facility, but Hamilton has better reviews. Who the fuck reviews a hospital, though?”
    Russ was on the edge of being frantic. He could hear it in his friend’s voice. That must have meant Ryan wasn’t nearby. There was no way Russ would let his son hear him like this.
    “Okay, first things first. Take a deep breath and calm down.”
    He walked Russ through the decision, weighing out the pros and cons. Lynn left halfway through the conversation, and he thought he saw her mouth the words “be careful.” After about twenty minutes of discussing the benefits of Northwest Regional versus Hamilton, though, Russ had calmed considerably.
    “I guess Northwest will be better. They’re closer to the house anyway, so I can get him home quick and get him anything he needs while he’s there.”
    “I know a few contacts at Northwest. I can see about getting someone specific to do his pre-op care, if you want?”
    Damn it. He was already failing. Russ hadn’t asked for this.
    “Nah, it’s okay.” Jake heard papers shuffling around in the background, and the sound of a chair scraping against the kitchen tile. Russ must be home. “You still coming over tonight?”
    He stopped himself from issuing the very enthusiastic “of course” that wanted to spring forth.
    “Right after I run by the bank. How’s six sound?”
    He knew Lynn