Lucky shrugs.“Good, last I heard.He’s somewhere in Ohio now—wife, kids, cats, the whole thing.It took a long time for him to come round after I left the band, but even though we’re cool now, we don’t talk much.Best I get out of him is a Christmas card.”
Sterling smiles around his next sip.“Things were easier then.”
“Things were harder too.”
“You can’t still be pissed about the party.”
“Fuck off.I can.The one time I convince you to come to a party, and he ruins it.Expected you to scuttle off back to your shadows, but when I came inside, there you were, talking up Maisey by the kitchen.”
Sterling loosens the top two buttons on his shirt.“We were partnered on an assignment.I was asking her if she needed help, not flirting.”
“I know.”Lucky smirks.“Everyone knew she had a crush on you, except you.She was pissed that she gave you all her best moves, and all you wanted to talk about was research methods.”
Sterling lowers his beer.“She put our work at risk over a flight of fancy.I wasn’t going to encourage her when the feelings were one-sided.”
Lucky gapes before laughing.“I forgot how much of an arrogant prick you were back then.”
“I don’t think caring about my education is a bad thing.”
“Here we go.Like I didn’t hear enough of this when we were in school.I bet nothing’s changed, has it?Still working till you burn out, then working some more.No parties, no dating, no fun.”
“I have fun.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“I know how to.”
This time, Lucky’s whole body loosens up with laughter.He stands, taking Sterling’s empty bottle, and comes back with two more, throwing himself back on the couch with a sigh.There’s a little ghost of a smile on Sterling’s lips, smug for making a joke, pride in Lucky appreciating it.
“Gotta be honest, it’s weird, seeing you sitting here,” Lucky admits.“Ever since I moved here, I’ve been bumping up against your ghost wherever I go.Sitting at bus stops, walking down the street, staring at me from across the bar.Started to worry I wouldn’t recognize the real you anymore.”
“I could lose every memory I’ve ever made and still know you.”
My heart is pounding at the obvious pain they still feel, and it’s time I got out of here.I’m almost at the door when I hear Lucky call my name.
“Stay.Let me cook for you.As a thank-you.”
I shouldn’t.They’ve just made up, and I’m … more invested in either of them than I should be.They need a friend, and I could be that … one day, after I figure out how to handle my feelings for them.
But before I can say no, Sterling is there, holding my hand, and all thoughts of leaving burn to ash from the intensity in his gaze.“I’d like you to stay.We both would.”
Breathless, all I can do is nod.
* * *
Make Your Choice:
it’s getting hot in here*(go to 80)
I’d like to skip to the end(go to 90)
go back(go to 37)
“Actually, I’m going to go.”I don’t wait for them, quickly turning on my heel and catapulting myself out of the club, where the cold midnight air can cool my nerves.
It’s for the best if they work things out alone.I’ll just be in the way.
Am I disappointed?Sure.My lips tingle with the echo of Lucky’s kiss, and I really wanted to follow that mouth and see where it led, but I also know how much Sterling means to him, and they deserve a shot at getting their shit together.
