“Did you sell your electronics?” He shouted and then quickly added. “Is your gaming more important than your parents having a home?”
“I don’t game. I don’t have electronics apart from the phone you just called me on.” Again, he stayed calm and direct.
“Sell your car.” His tone was getting louder and more chaotic.
“I sold my car last March to pay your doctor bills. You’ve taken everything, I have nothing left to sell.” Myles abruptly closed the call, not wanting to fight this out any further. He couldn't help them; they would have to find another way.
His phone rang again immediately, but he dismissed it and tossed it onto the couch. They weren’t done, not yet; they would make a few more runs at him with increasing threats, butthis time, he had nothing more to give them. He had $300 to get him through the month. He had nothing to spare.
Myles sat down in his chair and dropped his head into his hands. Dealing with them was so overwhelming. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? He lay back in the chair and stared at the ceiling for a few minutes, and then closed his eyes. He couldn't go on like this every month; the constant attacks and demands were wearing him out and taking everything from him.
His phone rang again, and he could see it wasn't his father this time. He saw Randy's name pop up, so he crossed the room and grabbed it. "What's up?" He asked.
“Remember those guys that came in last night and . . .” He fell off, but Myles finished the sentence for him.
“And punched me in the face.” He said.
“Yeah, those guys. If you happen to see them, just stay away. They're bad news and capable of greater harm than just a beating down." Randy sounded nervous.
“Who are they?” Myles became serious.
“Trouble, big trouble, but you don't need to be involved. Dad's dealing with them, so I just wanted to make sure that you don't do anything stupid like call them names or something." He finished.
"I got the message last night. I have no intention of engaging in any name-calling." That sounded absurd.
“Good, I wouldn’t want them to break your neck or anything like that.” He continued.
“Yeah, I’d rather they didn’t break my neck.” Myles rolled his eyes. “Are they going to show up at the shop again?”
"I don't think so, but if they do, just let me handle it." Randy wasn't this brave. Words were one thing, but actions were quite another.
“Sure.” He decided to just play along.
"Okay, have a good day, and I'll see you tomorrow." He was about to close the call when he suddenly continued. “You’re meeting that hunky guy from last night, what was his name?"
“Flint Marsh and he works security for Nikolas Hadden.” He enunciated each word, very proud of the man who was meeting him for coffee.
“Wow, I wish you luck and have a good time, I mean it.”
"Thanks, I'll let you know how it goes." With that, he closed the call and once again tossed it onto the couch and headed to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
He wondered who the thugs were that accosted them last night, but was glad that Randy's dad would be dealing with them. It sounded shady, but it was none of his business, and he had enough going on in his life that he didn't need to stress about their problems. His phone started ringing again, and without looking, he knew it was his father.
Flint was about to crawl out of his skin as he waited for coffee with his beloved. He’d driven to the area of the coffee shop and parked and sat in his car an hour before they were to meet. He had a few things to think about, things that he'd like to address and help with, but also things that his beloved might not be in the mood to discuss.
The fact that they had just met the previous evening hung heavy around him. In Flint's mind, Myles was his beloved, and life needed to start moving forward immediately.But unfortunately, that wasn’t how humans interpreted relationships. Myles would see this as a first date, getting to know one another, not the beginning of a bond that would span centuries.
He took a deep breath and got out of his car. He wanted to arrive before Myles, letting him know he valued his time and presence. Zac had contacted him just after lunch with some added information. It was personal and had to do with the dynamics of his family. According to Zac, Myles had been paying a good portion of his parents' bills every month, leaving him with very little money to get by.
It was none of Flint's business, but it sounded like they were still using him. Both parents had adequate income and a healthy bank account, so why they would be shaking down their son every month was unknown. Again, it wasn't his business, but as their connection grew, he would take a closer look at their relationship. He wouldn’t stop him from helping them, but he wouldn’t support their taking advantage of him.
Another deep breath, and he stepped inside the coffee shop and took a seat in the corner, but one that had a good view of the sidewalk and front door. He wanted to see Myles as soon as he entered. As it turned out, that wasn't an issue, considering that he sensed his beloved as soon as he drew close to the shop. Flint felt him long before he ever saw him walking toward the front doors.
Flint’s heart beat faster as he watched his beloved enter the coffee shop. He stood, and their eyes met. There was an instant smile, and Myles nodded and headed in his direction. Flint stood and held out his hand, and Myles eagerly took it. The moment their flesh connected, Flint sensed the bond taking hold. The sensation that shot through him was undeniable.
“Hello," Myles said, and Flint gave a quick nod.
“What would you like?” Flint released his hand and moved toward the counter. After getting them both a hot black coffee, they sat down and just stared at one another for a couple of seconds. Flint noticed the bruising on Myles’ face was fading quickly as their connection grew. He could not help but reach out and gently touch the area with his fingertips.
