That hung there.
Alex didn’t know what to say. Only, he knew that in that moment, his partner had to be carrying the heaviest burden in the whole world.
His heart hurt for him.
He genuinely liked Corbin, and had a good time with him. The few times they’d gotten a beer, or went to a movie, there’d been peace.
Now, he understood it.
He tended to be very comfortable around gay men because he felt safe with them. Look at his long relationship with Noah, and when he’d played third wheel with him and Lawless.
That comfort had been sustaining.
Or as they jokingly called it, the relationship without sex.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “What can I do to help you?” he asked, wanting to soothe him if he possibly could. “Just tell me, Corbin.”
He laughed sardonically and then began moving toward the door.
There was only one answer.
It was one he’d never be able to get.
“Bring him back because the day he died, my soul died too. I’m so empty and alone. Honestly, I just wish it had been me and not Will. I wish I died.”
He grabbed his garment bag, and his messenger bag, and opened the door. Then, he walked away, leaving Alex standing there alone.
He was spiraling.
Between the cologne and the dream, he needed space between himself and the man. Will’s words battered him, and he didn’t want to find love again, only to be hurt when he lost it. That would take more trust than he had in him.
Corbin.
Was.
Empty.
Out in the hall, he called the one person he knew would pull him back from the brink.
On the second ring, Gene answered.
“What’s up, Corby? We’re checked-in, and then we’re going to meet you guys for dinner.”
He had to get the words out.
Corbin knew that when he needed help with this, Gene had always told him to reach out for one of them, and they’d pull him back in.
Now, he needed them.
Desperately.
“I had a dream. It was about Will. I’m not okay,” he whispered. “I am not okay. Help me.”
Gene heard the tone.
That told him everything.
Corbin was about to spiral.
