Releasing some of the inner strength he’d worked so hard to acquire to keep people away, Luke put his hand on Jordan’s shoulder, kissed him on the cheek, and opened up his heart for the first time. “Thanks for coming out here, Prep School. You barely know me.”
“You’re wrong.” Jordan covered his hand. “I know you. I know you’re kind but like to hide it. I know you’ve been hurt and have walls up to keep people out.”
Luke remained silent and unmoving as Jordan leaned over and kissed him, a mere brush of their lips, yet it set off a glow of fire in his belly. “I also know you shouldn’t be alone to face Ash for the first time in years. Now let’s go back inside and confront your brother.” He held out his hand, and Luke took it, then followed him back into the house.
On their reappearance in the kitchen, Luke glanced at the clock, shocked it had only been half an hour since his entire world had been rocked to its core. Mike and Rachel had disappeared, Luke noticed, but Drew remained seated next to Ash, their entwined hands a symbol of their united strength.
With a start, he realized he still held Jordan’s hand. He tried to pull away, but Jordan held tight, squeezing his fingers as a warning he shouldn’t let go. Luke cleared his throat and spoke directly to Esther.
“I’m so sorry to have caused you such a disruption on your birthday. I know you’re aware of what a shock this has been to me. Please forgive me, and I’ll understand if you’d rather I left so you can share this afternoon with your family.”
Jordan’s hand once again squeezed his tight. It was then that Luke caught sight of the pile of crumpled tissues on the table at the place where Esther sat. It wasn’t right that a woman should cry about anything on her birthday. He finally pulled free from Jordan’s hold and sat down on the opposite side of the table from Ash and Drew. He still didn’t understand what Ash saw in the pale, green-eyed man, but there was no accounting for taste. His gaze flickered for a moment back to Jordan. Who would think he’d be attracted to a man with an ego the size of the Grand Canyon, yet he was.
“I want to thank you for your hospitality, Esther, and—”
“Oh, you mustn’t go. Please. You’ve only just gotten here. You must stay. Jordan, darling, make him stay.” Esther grabbed Luke’s hands in hers, showing surprising strength.
But Luke didn’t need Jordan to make his decisions for him. “I don’t belong here. This day is for your family and friends. Strangers don’t belong.”
“Oh, young man. Strangers are the friends I haven’t met yet. And at my age, I don’t have time to go out and meet all the friends I don’t yet know.” Her blue eyes twinkled, and he couldn’t help but get drawn into her warmth. “I think you must be a very special friend for our Jordan to have brought you here today.”
“Now, Esther, don’t start.” Jordan settled into the seat next to him.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Esther sniffed.
“Nana,” Drew interjected. “I think Ash and Luke might want some time to themselves to talk. I’m sure they have some things to say that only need to be shared between the two of them.”
Luke met Drew’s frank stare across the table.Huh.
“I don’t have anything to say to him that can’t be said in front of all of you.”
Ash, his mouth a tight, grim line, sat quietly while Drew took over, merely holding his hand.
“I’m sure, Luke, if you gave Ash a chance to explain, you’d change your mind.”
“Considering you know nothing about me, Drew, you shouldn’t be so sure about my state of mind.” He gestured toward Ash with a brush of his hand. “Go ahead”—he pinned Ash with a glare—“explain. I’m all ears, big brother. Tell me why you left and never came back when you promised you would. Tell me why you never wrote one letter to see if we were even still alive.” He crossed his arms. “Go ahead. I’m waiting.”
Ash paled, and his eyes glittered with wetness. He opened his mouth to speak, then shook his head and lowered his gaze to the floor.
This wasn’t turning out as he’d dreamed all these years. There was no satisfaction in viewing Ash’s pain. From his reaction, it seemed obvious Ash had suffered too. Shame replaced the anger flooding Luke’s body.
A thin, warm hand covered his. “Lucas, dear boy. May I speak with you in private for a moment?” Esther’s bright eyes held his.
“Esther, I know you want me to listen. But you’re Drew’s grandmother, so of course you want Ash and him to be happy.” The words stuck in his throat. In another place and time he might have belonged at a table like this, with a family who cared about him as much as they did for Ash.
“Come, please.” She stood and left the room, and because he respected her age, he followed her. She led him into a beautifully furnished living room and indicated he should sit. “Now, while it’s true I want my grandchildren to be happy and I consider Asher like my own grandson, I never turn a blind eye to their faults. I understand it’s a shock for you to come here and have him thrust back into your life.” She pulled a small handkerchief out of her sleeve and wiped her eyes, then wrapped it into a tight little ball held fast within her fist.
“You are wise not to speak to each other tonight. Emotions are running high, and you both need a chance to cool down.”
Luke sat and listened.
“But you need to talk. There are things that happened to Asher you aren’t aware of, as I’m sure there are things you should tell him about your life.” Her shrewd gaze held his. “You’ve suffered greatly as well, haven’t you, dear boy?”
Before he realized what he was doing, Luke found himself answering her. “Yes.”
A cloud passed over her face, dimming the light in her eyes. “I’m sure Jordan will help you through it, as my Drew helped Asher with his demons. Love teaches you to give of yourself.” She patted his hand. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see Jordan has finally decided to move on and find love again. You’ve made him happy.”
“We’re friends, nothing more.”
