“But… I mean… people say things in the heat of passion. Surely Thane understands that.”
Ronan tilts his head up, and he looks miserable.
“Oh. So… not just a heat-of-the-moment thing.”
Ro shakes his head, and we continue walking in silence. It’s funny; he and I are not related by blood, but we both like to love big.
After a few moments, he smacks my arm. “Hey, don’t think that I’ve let you off the hook with this Roly shit. Are you going to keep seeing him?”
I bite my lip, not sure how to answer. “I dunno.”
“Well, do you want to?”
Yes.
I shrug, trying to seem casual. “I dunno.”
“Well, don’t start datin’ some guy who’s gonna be a shithead to your kids.”
I laugh bitterly. “Yeah, I think we both learned that lesson. But nah, they love him.”
Ronan stops midstride. “You’ve already introduced him to your kids? I thought y’all weren’t serious.”
“No, nothing like that. Remember, after the almond milk incident? When you and the guys finished the move-in, he and his sister watched them.”
Ronan guffaws, punching me lightly on the shoulder, drawing back a reddened hand for his efforts. “Oh, yeah, that’s right. I’d wanted to murder that guy for what he did to you.”
“It was an accident.”
“I know. And… love you, man, but if I never have to see your junk again, it will be too soon.”
My neck heats, and I stop to stand by the water feature. “I’m so glad that amuses you.”
“It was funny as shit, though… True talk, I’m glad you pulled through. Woulda sucked to lose you.”
“Dying definitely would’ve sucked. I’ve got way too many projects.”
We walk a bit more, and I bring up the subject I didn’t want to when Jean-Pierre was around. “I might go to Bear Night at the gym.”
Ronan stops in his tracks. “You havegotto go and give me all the details. That shit is going to bewild.Is Roly going?”
“Yeah, but I think he’ll be trying to score elsewhere. I’m just worried about looking like an idiot.”
Ronan stops again and shakes his head. “Buddy, you are way too pretty to worry about shit like that. You show up with those green, green eyes of yours, and it’ll be all over but the crying. You’ll be beating back the twinks and otters and other bears who’ll want a taste. Seriously, hydrate. You’re gonna need it.”
I laugh, feeling better about it already. “So, if I need a hype man, will you come with me?”
“Nice try, but no. You can text me if you lose your nerve, though. I’ll be happy to harangue you until you go.”
“Thanks, brother.”
“You know it. I need the full report when you get home.”
We fist-bump on it, then finish our meander and go to our separate Ubers. It’s weird to think that he and I didn’t grow up with each other, but I thank the fates who brought us together.
Chapter Fourteen
Heath
