***
It was past six o’clock when they returned to the city. Wolf had taken the urn and a few of his father’s belongings, and after signing the paperwork, that was it.
“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do with this. I hate the thought of having it in my house, but I can’t just toss them somewhere.”
“You’ll figure it out in time.”
That was the longest conversation they’d had since leaving Wolf’s office. Wolf had reverted to one-syllable monotone answers, and Spencer figured he’d give him space. Wolf hadn’t asked him to come home with him, but Spencer had no plans to leave him alone to brood.
When he followed Wolf out of the car, resignation filled Wolf’s eyes. “You don’t need to babysit me. It’s all over now.” Head down, he trudged away to the front doors of his building.
“Listen, if you think I want to be with you tonight because I feel sorry for you, you’re not as smart as I thought.”
He trailed Wolf’s steps, giving the young man at the concierge desk a smile and a wave. “I’m Spencer. I don’t think we’ve met, but we’ll be seeing more of each other.”
“Uh, hi? How’re you doing, Mr. Wolf?”
“I’m good, Sam. Did you get that information from Owen? He should have sent it.”
Spencer watched their exchange, wondering what connection the two had.
“I did. I’m so excited to be starting law school. I owe you so much.” He bit his lip. “Thank you seems inadequate.”
A real smile flirted over Wolf’s lips. “It’s more than enough. Good luck, and we’re here for you if you need anything.” He continued on, and Spencer followed at his heels.
Inside Wolf’s apartment, he watched as Wolf set the urn with the ashes on the shelf in the closet, then retreated to the couch, where he sat staring into space. Spencer decided enough had happened between them that he didn’t need to ask permission, so he sat next to Wolf and took one of those cold hands in his.
“How’re you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit over the head with a baseball bat.”
“I can only imagine. You aren’t going to work tomorrow.” Wolf opened his mouth, and Spencer covered it with his hand. “If I have to sit on you to keep you here, I will.”
“I don’t recall asking you to stay.”
He patted Wolf’s cheek. “Lucky for you, I don’t need an invitation. Now I think we should order dinner. Sushi’s good, right? I’m going to get two rolls. I haven’t eaten since I left Elliot’s, and I’m sure you’re running on empty.”
“Pushy asshole,” Wolf grumbled, but Spencer heard the smile in his growl and placed their order.
With their dinner taken care of, Wolf grew jittery, pacing the apartment until Spencer couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Will you sit already? Talk to me.”
Wolf stopped in front of him. “Fine. Let’s talk.” He crossed his arms, and at his assessing glance, Spencer’s stomach cramped. Whatever Wolf was about to say, he wasn’t going to like.
“How about those Mets, huh?” Spencer said weakly, and Wolf snorted and threw himself onto the couch, never taking those eyes off him.
“You know it all now. I’m stripped bare to the bone. And I appreciate you staying and being there for me.”
“That’s what friends do. No questions asked, we stand by your side. I’m sure when you tell Elliot and Chess, they’ll feel the same. Like we stood by Chess when the story of his past came out.”
“I’m sure. And we’ll be by your side when you tell us what you’ve been hiding.”
He wet his dry lips. “Wh-what’re you talking about? Why do you think I’m hiding anything? My life is an open book. Isn’t that what you hate about me? That I’m too open?”
“I don’t hate anything about you. What I hate is how you give yourself so easily to people who don’t deserve you. If I thought you were happy, I wouldn’t care, but I don’t think you are.”
“I’m having fun—live, love, laugh. Isn’t that what life should be about? This is getting too intense. Where the hell is the sushi?” He jumped up and walked into the kitchen to avoid Wolf’s increasing scrutiny. Suddenly spending the night didn’t seem like such a good idea.
