He knew there would be seven of them, seven for a secret never to be told.
Josh would never let him down, he couldn’t, but one day Chad would let Josh down.One day he’d learn the truth, because secrets, even ones untold, had a way of coming out.
Josh’s arms were iron around Chad, shaking him slightly.“I’m going to find her.”
“I know you will.”
One day.
Josh released him and took a step back.He still had hero worship on his face when he looked at Chad.Chad averted his gaze, blinking back the burning in his eyes.
One day, Josh wouldn’t look at him like that again.
One day, he’d know the truth, and he’d come after Chad.
Josh would hunt them down.
The next time they saw each other, there would be the same look in Chad’s eyes, but a different one in Josh’s and that realization cut deep.
Josh noticed Chad avoiding his gaze, “Hey, guys can cry too, you know,” he wiped his eyes.“See?Luckily for all of us, I’m an attractive crier, not a wailer, not unless I really get going.”
“Let’s avoid that at all costs,” Ally said, snuffling.
Chad put one hand on Josh’s shoulder, and the other one on Ally’s.“You know I love you both.”
“The hell, Chad,” Josh whined.“I’m trying to hold back the waterworks.”
Chad snorted.“I’m sorry, I just wanted to let you know.”
“How about don’t,” Josh said.“Ally’s tears have run all the way to her mouth.The amount of eyeliner she’s consumed is probably toxic.”
“I’m fine,” Ally croaked.“Just about keeping it together.”
Chad clutched onto them.“Whatever happens in life, never doubt how much you two mean to me.”
“Shut up,” Josh said, yanking Chad into another hug.He wrapped his arm around Ally too, bringing her into the embrace.
They stood like that for a minute, then broke away from the hug at the same moment.
Josh pointed behind Chad.“What’s going to happen to your haunted house while you’re gone?”
Chad looked back at it, but his gaze skimmed across to the edge of the field.“The ghosts can roam free for a while.”
“That’s not creepy at all.”
Chad turned around in time to see Josh grimace.
“But don’t worry, they won’t go far.They can’t.Tormented souls and all that.”
Josh shuddered.“You’re not making it sound any better.”
Ally strode over to Chad’s car and opened the driver’s door.
“I made a ratatouille for you to take with you.”
Chad hesitated, rocking back on his heels.“Urm.Thanks.”
“Josh told me to leave it at home.”
