He throws his arms around me and I hug him back. He used to be so affectionate when we were younger, but really backed off around fourteen or fifteen. Now I know why, but it’s nice to feel close to him again.
As he steps back, he grins. “I’m really happy we bumped into each other.”
“Me too.”
After saying my goodbyes to everyone, I step outside into the late morning sunshine. There’s an unusual spring in my step today, and I guess I have to chalk it up to being around Nantes and his family again. They were always my safe place, and apparently, they still are. It’s nice to know that not everything changes. Maybe Nonna is right and this winding path is exactly what I need right now.
Chapter 8
Nantes
“Is it just me or is Vanian even hotter now than he used to be?” Brogan fans themself while waggling their eyebrows. “He’s so fine.”
Deo chuckles. “He’s hotter now. You must have noticed too, Nantes?”
I shrug, trying to play it off. Of course I’ve noticed. I’ve got eyes. “He hasn’t changed much. Just matured.”
“Is it weird?” Deo asks. “Being around him after all these years?”
“No, it’s like no time has passed at all. I was worried about coming out to him, but he took it in stride.”
“Oh yeah, you weren’t out yet,” Deo says. “Is he straight?”
“Yep.”
“You sure about that?” Brogan teases. “He was looking at you like he felt more than friendship.”
“We used to be super close. I think he’s feeling a lot of nostalgia, but it’s nothing more than that.”
“Too bad. He looks like he’d be fun to climb.”
Deo chuckles with our cousin while Balt just shakes his head.
“We’re gonna go into Madison to see what we can get up to. I don’t think he’s seen it since he moved to Chicago.”
“That’ll be a nice afternoon,” Balt says.
“Should be.”
I finish up for the day then say goodbye to the guys and head back to my house. It’s a nice day and it’s getting warmer by the hour, so it should be enjoyable walking around downtown.
When I step inside, the house is quiet except for the low bass of Vanian’s voice. Quietly, I follow the sound to the living room to find him sitting on the couch in front of a laptop propped on my coffee table. There’s a blond kid on the screen who looks to be in his early teens. I can’t hear what the kid is saying from here, but I notice how intently Vanian is listening. I stay just out of sight, unsure of what to do. I don’t want to overhear anything personal.
“I think that’s an excellent plan, Nick,” Vanian says. “You can work on that and we can meet again in three weeks for a status update. Do you think that’s enough time?”
I hear a muffled voice from the computer then Vanian again.
“Okay, so you’re going to journal for accountability, and we’ll review your progress the next time we meet. Sound good?”
I peek around the corner to see Vanian, relaxed and smiling at the screen.
“You’re doing great, Nick. I hope you see how much progress you’ve made in the last six months.” He nods. “Good. Take care.”
Van closes the laptop and I tap softly on the wall to get his attention. His face lights up.
“Hey.”
“Hey. I was trying not to eavesdrop or interrupt.”
