So it was disappointment, not anger. Or maybe it was a touch of jealousy because Dion was now on his own and his boyfriend wasn’t in the picture?
“Thanks, I appreciate that. But there’s no need to be envious. I’m sure you’ll find someone, too, one day soon.”
“I don’t think that’s very likely. I don’t have much luck with men,” Dion huffed. He looked up and met Patrick’s gaze. “I haven’t even told you what happened with Ian. I assume you want to know?”
Patrick stiffened at the mention of Dion’s ex, but something inside himdidwant to know what had happened to him—where he was now. When exactly had Ian and Dion broken up? Was it because of Patrick? Was there any remote possibility that Ian could be the one who’d been stalking him? Jesus, a chill ran through Patrick at the thought. “I guess so,” he said tentatively, “but only if you want to tell me.”
Dion looked relieved and started talking quietly. “Firstly, I wanted to apologize again for not believing you, for not listening to what you had to say. I’m sorry for not staying on your side when you first told me about Ian. It’s just he was the first guy I’d had a serious relationship with, and he was so different to the type of man you described. I couldn’t even imagine him doing anything even remotely like you said he did. I mean, that was creepy. Going through your stuff, and cornering you in the house. It just didn’t make any sense. Now I know you were right and Ian was crazy.” Dion paused, swallowing heavily before continuing. “You must think I’m an idiot, huh? I mean, what reason would you have to lie? I feel like such an asshole for taking Ian’s side over yours. You were my friend long before he ever came on the scene, and I should have trusted you.”
Patrick reached out, placing a reassuring touch on Dion’s forearm. For someone who hadn’t liked Dion’s touch only moments ago, suddenly he felt a compelling need to comfort his friend. “I don’t think you’re stupid. Just blinded by love maybe?”
Dion nodded, his eyes moist. “Anyway, once you left, Ian moved into the apartment full-time. It all worked fine for a couple of months, until I came home one day and found him in bed with someone else.”
“Oh, Dion, I’m so sorry. It’s bad enough he’d cheat on you, but to see it for yourselfandin your own home.”
Dion snorted and pulled away. “I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I mean, you warned me of what he was like, so I should have seen it coming. I should have listened to you, and if I had, I would have kicked him out before he hurt me. But the main thing is he moved out… eventually.” Dion’s face closed over and he glanced at the table next to them before turning back to Patrick and lowering his voice. “He told me I was useless, and even made fun of my diabetes. As if I can control that! He said he was only staying around for the free rent.”
“Oh, jeez, that’s awful. What a douchebag.” Poor Dion, having to put up with that asshole of a boyfriend; no wonder he was struggling. “So you live by yourself now?”
“Yeah, I’ve been by myself since Ian moved out. The rent’s a bit of a struggle on my own, but it’s better than living with a stranger,” Dion said, focusing on his coffee again. When he looked up again, his gaze was questioning. “I sort of hoped you might have wanted to move back in. But now with everything that has moved forward with Simon, I guess that won’t be happening.”
“No. You’re right, I won’t be moving in.” He tried for a joke to lighten the mood. “That is, unless Simon boots me out on my ass.” Dion didn’t smile. Patrick placed a reassuring hand on Dion’s arm again. “But I’m glad you got back in contact. There’s absolutely no reason we can’t still be friends.”
“I’d like that.” Dion’s smile was brief and didn’t reach his eyes, but he raised his cup and clicked it to Patrick’s. “To friends.”
The day wasbright and clear, the kind of day that was perfect to spend in the outdoors. The sun was warm on his skin, and Patrick luxuriated in its rays, enjoying the change from being cooped up in an office all day. He pushed back the persistent lock of hair that flopped into his eyes yet again, trying fruitlessly to tuck the errant strand behind his ear. He eventually gave up, instead adjusting his cap to capture the strands, and making a mental note to book a haircut. It was probably best if he neatened things up a bit, as he didn’t think Mr. Peterson, the principal at the school where he worked, appreciated the scruffy look.
Simon’s footsteps were loud behind him as they both tramped up the slope, twigs breaking underfoot. Mike brought up the rear. Patrick glanced over his shoulder, biting back a laugh at the expression on Mike’s face. If the puce color and the grimace were anything to go by, he wasn’t far off having a heart attack.
“Wanna take a break?” Patrick called.
“Sure,” Simon replied. “There’s a clearing not too far ahead.”
Mike just grunted, probably too out of breath to speak much.
Simon was a regular hiker. It was an activity he’d done for years, going so far as taking holidays specifically designed around the activity. Patrick had only recently started hiking, encouraged by Simon to join him on some of his shorter adventures. Patrick was used to running on the sidewalk, not taking things off-road, but there was no way he was turning down the chance to spend more time with Simon. Over the months, and during the various weekends spent hitting the trails, he’d come to enjoy the exercise, the scenery and solitude. There was something to be said for getting away from the grind of daily life and escaping to the forested area just outside of town. Not that his legs were used to it yet—the stretch in his calf muscles reminded him he probably needed to be more regular, not so ad hoc with his exercise program.
Speaking of legs, Simon had overtaken him, more able to cope with the steep incline, and Patrick couldn’t take his gaze from the muscles flexing in front of him. Simon was fitter and more defined than Patrick. His job as a paramedic meant being physically fit was a prerequisite. Simon loved boxing and also spent time at the gym working on both cardio and strength, his efforts reflected in the clearly defined calves that now held Patrick’s attention—sculpted muscles, olive skin, and a generous smattering of dark hair—
“Fuck!”
Patrick faltered on the uneven ground as he stepped unexpectedly into a pothole. His knee wrenched backward, unprepared for the sudden lowering of terrain, and he grunted at the flash of pain.That’ll teach me to focus on where I’m going in future.
“Jeez, are you all right?” Mike stopped at his side, panting out the words.
Patrick nodded as he gently flexed his leg. “Yeah, I think so.” The pain wasn’t as bad as he’d thought it’d be. “Just jarred my knee. I think it’s okay.”
Simon stepped close, worry etched in his features. He grasped Patrick’s elbow. “Can you put any weight on it?”
Patrick took a tentative step. The knee held. He smiled. “Looks like it’s holding fine. That was lucky, I thought I’d done some real damage there for a moment.” He stretched out the joint again and swung his lower leg back and forth. “It feels better already.”
“Thank God for that,” said Mike. “I don’t think I could have coped with carrying you back down the mountain.”
Simon snorted. “Like that would happen. You’d definitely have a heart attack, and then I’d have to get both of you back to the car.”
“Hey!” Patrick pretended to be offended. Mike just shrugged. He was so easygoing, it was like water off a duck’s back.
“C’mon. Let’s get you sitting down for a while and I’ll take a look.”
