“No, fair enough.”
I look back at the notebook and there’s a page for every position; the lists all varied in their snack preferences, and some want candles whereas others want scent sticks or aromatherapy oils, it’s a lot.
“Here.” Tyler holds out his phone. “Put your number in, I’m gonna do you a solid. Nobody taught me, but I’m gonna help you out. Tomorrow, I’ll take you on the Tyler approved shopping trip. Everything you need in three stores, we’ll be done in an hour and a half.”
“Thanks,” I say, “I’ll owe you one.”
“Yeah you will,” he chuckles.
I pass him back his phone and we leave the meeting room. I haven’t even seen half of our training facility; despite the tour I had when I first arrived. But looking at the lists in this notebook, I’m about to get veryfamiliar with it.
“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say, veering off to meet up with Marcus.
“See you tomorrow,” he chuckles, “welcome aboard, rookie!”
Chapter 21
Donovan
Evenifwecan’tbe together right now, even if it’s not the right time for us, you’re fucking mine…
Stephen’s words from that night echo in my head every day. He was right, I am still his. It’s been nearly five weeks since we broke up, and I haven’t even looked at another guy. For a while it felt like I was just existing, going through the motions. Jamie and Max have been amazing, looking out for me, inviting me to spend time with them, we’ve even gone to Prism a few nights.
I’d been reluctant at first, it took a lot of convincing, and Jamie gently reminding me that I didn’t have to hook up with anyone. I could just go and dance, make friends, be somewhere that I was safe to be myself.
And so I’d agreed, and I’ll admit we had fun. It did feel freeing to be out at a gay bar and not worry about who might see me there. I’m still not used to guys flirting with me, which happens more than I thought, but no one comes close to Stephen.
I glance over to his side of the room as I pack up my stuff, ready to head back to Tynerston now my semester exchange isover. His side is empty, there’s nothing left of him there, but it’s still his side. I’ve lost count of how many nights I’ve given in and left my bed for his, feeling closer to him when I sleep there. Fuck, that sounds really pathetic.
Once I’ve got everything packed, I let myself have a final look around. So many of my firsts happened in this room, it’s strange to think I’ll never be back here again, and sad to think that my time here was just as temporary as my relationship with Stephen.
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door just before it opens.
“Didn’t think we were gonna let you sneak out on us, did you?” Jamie says, pulling me into a hug when he reaches me.
“Never,” I chuckle, “I was going to swing by, I promise.”
“Good, in fact, we have a surprise for you,” Max says.
“You do?” I ask, as he waves two tickets in my face. “What are those?”
“We’re coming with you!” Jamie screams.
“Uh, not permanently,” Max adds. “We’re going to Tynerston to watch Stephen’s first game tomorrow, so figured we’d travel with you today and stay overnight, if that’s cool?”
“Absolutely,” I say. “Hey, do you wanna meet some hot biker guys? There’s a gathering at the motorcycle club tonight to welcome me home.”
“Fuck yeah we do,” Jamie says. “Please take us to meet the hot bikers, pretty please.”
“Alright, don’t be too enthusiastic,” Max chuckles.
As we head out I feel lighter than I have in weeks. I miss Stephen like crazy, but I’ve also missed Beth, and being able to hang out whenever we want will be amazing. Not to mention the fact that the club members all know about me now, and they’re okay with it, so much so that it won’t even be an issue when I turn up with Jamie and Max later.
I’d cried down the phone when Beth told me the club was getting rid of their shitty rules, that all of the members know I’m gay, and that they still see me as family. As a result, she’s also worked things out with my brother, so they’re officially together and living at the clubhouse.
Even though technically I’m going home, it all feels brand new. I’ve never spent time there as my true self before, and there’s a part of me that’s scared that even though they all accept me, they won’t actually like me. But I left Tynerston alone, and now I’m going back with friends, which is more than I could have ever hoped for.
“¿Quién es? Who is it?” The gruff voice of one of the club members greets us after I’ve knocked on the gate.
