Even knowing when he made the call that he’d be interrogated didn’t make it any easier to speak his emotions.
“What about us?”
“If you make me drag it out of you, I swear…”
He chuckled. “I’m sorry. I guess I don’t know what to say because it’s still surprising to me.”
“But you’re happy. I can tell.”
“You can?” Curious, Jude transferred the phone to his other ear and leaned on his elbow. “How?”
“You’re…lighter. Your voice is happier and less guarded.”
“I’m not used to talking about this stuff.”
“That’s because you never needed to before. There was no one worth it. Mason is your opposite in many ways, but in others, you two are exactly alike.”
“We are?” Her insight surprised him.
“You are both devoted to your families and stand up for the people you care about. You won’t take shit from anyone. But you also have the flaw of never letting the ones who love you know what you’re really feeling. Maybe the two of you can work on that together.”
“Maybe.”
Her tone softened. “But you love him, right? Please tell me you aren’t letting his silly behavior all those years ago hold you back.”
Jude could feel himself grow warm. “I…uh…yeah. I do.” Would it ever get easier to talk about this?
“Then that’s what matters. I’ve learned from this accident not to sweat the small stuff. I might get annoyed if Doug leaves his socks on the floor, but all that matters is he’s with me. Love is what’s most important.”
“I love you. When did they say Doug will be able to come home? I’m not going to be happy until I see you both in person.”
“No idea. I’m going to talk to them about that tomorrow. We’re going to see about arranging a nurse to come with us on the plane ride home, just in case.”
Jude sent a silent prayer that things were heading in the right direction. “Good.”
“I love you. And I’m so happy you’re happy for once.”
“It’s not like I was sitting by myself in the dark, rocking in the corner, you know,” he grumbled.
“I know. You don’t have a rocking chair,” she teased. “Love you, gotta go.” And hung up.
He shook his head and tried to salvage what was left of the craziest day of his life.
* * *
Mason hefted several grocery bags, and Jude opened the front door to the apartment building.
“Thanks. I think we have enough food here to bunker down in case there’s an invasion.”
They greeted the doorman, passing by him on the way to the elevators. “Don’t be ridiculous. This isn’t only for us. I have Edith’s food as well.”
“Oh, the roasted-salmon dinner, right? Because I don’t know about you, but I’m all about those frozen burritos.”
They stopped at the elevator to push the button, and Jude scanned Mason from head to toe, enjoying the sight of him in a suit as much as he did dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. “I don’t know how you eat such disgusting food and still look like that.”
The door to an elevator slid open, and they entered. “Look like what?” Mason glanced down. “I exercise simply so I can enjoy what I like.” He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Jude’s mouth. “And who.”
“All right, keep it in your pants. We have to go see Edith first, you know. And yes, I just meant you exist on junk food and takeout. That’s not healthy.”
