When my phone rang as I sat in my living room relaxing, I grabbed it, hoping to see Haley’s face on the screen. Instead, I saw a number I didn’t recognize.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Is this Toby Jenkins?” a male voice asked.

“Yeah. Who is this?”

“It’s Billy.”

“Billy! Hello,” I said slowly. “Is Haley okay?”

“She’s fine,” he said. “But you need to quit playing games with her.”

I stood up angrily.

“Look, Billy, Haley and I can handle our relationship ourselves. I appreciate your friendship with her, but I don’t need you to interfere.”

“We know what your so-called ex-wife is doing.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Jessica is harassing Haley, and it’s got to stop.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“It’s all over social media right now. Look it up.”

“Social media? Do you mean Facebook?”

“Of course I do, just google it.”

“Wait! Billy! How well do you understand social media?” I asked.

“Very well. Why?”

“You interested in making some money on the side? Are you allowed to moonlight?”

“Are you kidding?” Billy asked.

“I’m serious. I need some help. Well, my father needs some help.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“My Pops needs some help with his restaurant, Chez Louie. You ever hear of it?”

“Nope, sorry.”

“See, that’s the problem. I’ll pay you to help get the word out about the place. They have great food, but nobody knows about it.”

“I’m not sure. I called to yell at you and protect my friend, not to get hired for my dream job.”

“Dream job? I thought you were a photographer.”

“I’m working as a photographer, but I’d love to get paid to manage social media for people.”

“There you go,” I said. “If you can help me, I’m sure I can find you other clients.”

“Get out of here. Why would you do that for me?”

“You’re a friend of Haley’s, right?”

He laughed.

“She’s my best friend. But why should I do anything for you?”

“Money?”

He paused and I took his silence as agreement.

“Great, you’ll do it then.”

“I didn’t say I would…”

“I’ll give you five-thousand dollars to start. Spend four-grand and a keep one for yourself. We’ll go from there based on the results you get. Sound good?”

“Okay” he said, sighing reluctantly.

“Can you meet me at their restaurant this afternoon?”

“Give me a time.”

“Half-an-hour?”

“See you there.”

“Have you talked to Haley today, Billy?”

“Yeah. She’s upset you didn’t answer her call earlier, but she’ll get over it. Your ex-wife showed up here today and caused a big scene.”

“Shit,” I said, anger rushing over me. Jessica had no reason to be anywhere near Haley. “Alright, I’ll see you in half-an-hour at the restaurant.”

I ended the call. It sounded like I might be able to solve at least one of my problems, but now I seemed to have another one.

* * *

When Billy pulled into the parking lot of Chez Louie, he looked exactly the same as he had in high school. He walked over as I leaned against the Maserati, arms crossed over my chest.

“Nice car,” he said as he tossed his head back, sending his long bangs flying.

“Thanks.” He stopped in front of me.

“You look exactly the same,” I said.

“You look…older.”

I smirked, and nodded.

“Thanks for coming, Billy.”

“I’m only here for the money.”

“We’re going to need to be friends eventually.”

“Are we?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Nobody seems to be sure of your intentions.”

“I’ll call Haley tonight. I didn’t mean to be unavailable.”

“Whatever, it’s not my business,” he said, waving a dismissive hand in the air.

“Sure it is. I get it. You’re protective of her.”

“Haley can take care of herself.”

“Is that why you called me?” I asked.

He stopped short and shot me a look. I held up my hands, in mock surrender.

“I’m a nice guy, I swear. I care about Haley. I’ll do right by her,” I said, pausing as I looked him over. He was well dressed and handsome, just as he’d always been. It seemed pretty obvious now and I wasn’t sure why I ever missed it before. The fact that I’d broken up with Haley and changed the course of my life because I didn’t see it seemed absolutely tragic now. “So you’re really gay, huh?”

“Gayer than Ellen,” he responded.

I laughed and nodded, “I never knew.”

“I was good at hiding it back then,” he said.

“I’m sorry you felt you had to,” I said.

“It was a different time. It’s over now, he said, running a hand through his hair. “So what about this job?”

“Right,” I nodded. “Here’s the deal. You need to make my father think he’s the one that came up with the idea for you to help him, okay?”

“Huh?”

“He’s a very proud man, and he won’t let me help. If he thinks I hired you to help him, he’s not going to work with you even if you show results. Can you befriend him and make him think it’s his idea to ask you to help him for free?”

“Hold on,” he said. “This sounds a lot more complicated than what I signed up for earlier.”

“I’ll throw an extra grand in.”

“Deal.”

“Let’s just keep this between us when it comes to everyone, including Haley. Understand?”

He nodded.

“Good. They’re both inside now with no customers. You can start today if you want. I’ve got to get going, but you can call me with any problems that come up. Are you sure you got this?”

“Yeah, yeah,” he said in a less than confident voice.

“Alright. Call me later, and let me know how it goes.”

“Will do, boss,” he said, waving.

I climbed into my car and headed to practice early. Coach Harris had not mentioned anything about my decision to try harder, so I wanted to put in a little extra effort.

All the good – like Haley – would have to wait just a little longer. ‘Work hard’ had to become my motto, at least until the end of the season if I had any chance of them renewing my contract.