“Thanks. Just don’t tell anyone, okay? Not even Patrick. I don’t want anyone to know. Not yet, anyway. I just want to learn to box.”
Simon’s heart was heavy. “Darren, I’ve got to say something to Patrick.”
Darren’s gaze shot to his. “Why? It’s none of his business.”
“Well, firstly, Patrick and I don’t have any secrets. What’s my business is his business. I really want to help you but I don’t want to keep anything from Patrick that may cause problems for us. Besides, he’ll know I’m spending time with you at the gym. Unless you want me to tee you up with someone else, or they do have classes—”
“No! I don’t want classes. I just want to learn some basics. From you.”
“Why me?”
“When Andrew mentioned you before, he said you’re a good guy and I trust him. And I know you. Sort of. I just don’t want to have to spend time with a stranger or explain anything to anyone else.” Darren’s eyes had that panicked look again. “That’s okay, isn’t it? You’ll still teach me?”
Simon smiled gently. “Yeah, that’s okay. But I’m going to tell Patrick what you’ve told me. Which really isn’t much. I don’t know anything so there isn’t a lot to tell. But Patrick will be on your side, too. There’ll be the two of us if you finally decide you’re ready to talk or if you need support, so it’s better that way. Okay?”
Darren nodded, albeit somewhat reluctantly. “Okay,” he finally mumbled.
Simon breathed out a sigh of relief. He had one more piece of advice to pass on, because he hated the idea of Darren keeping everything bottled up, and even potentially putting himself in harm’s way. “And if you don’t want to talk to us or any of your other friends, there are other people you can call for support like helplines, counselors—”
“I know.” Darren cut him off, obviously uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking.
“Just make sure you’ve got those numbers on hand, somewhere to go.” Simon smiled when he got Darren’s agreement. “Now, how about we get something to eat to go along with these coffees and we can talk about what days and times will be convenient for both of us, and other stuff you’ll need to know? Plus, I’m sure you’ve got some questions.”
At Darren’s nod, Simon gestured to capture the attention of the young girl who was waiting on them. With her happy open expression and long dark ponytail swinging gaily as she moved through the coffee shop, she reminded Simon of his older sister, Megan. He hadn’t seen Megan look that happy and carefree in a long time, and it was only fairly recently she’d regained most of her cheerful spirit. For so many years, she’d been dragged down by grief and depression, unable to forgive herself for what had happened to her son, Bobby. He snorted. Between the two of them they’d cornered the market on self-recrimination and self-loathing. It was only in the last year or two that Simon had seen so much more of the old Megan shining through; moments of unfettered laughter, or the look of joy as she gazed at her daughter, Samantha. Sammy coming along had started to break through the shield Megan had formed around herself, something Simon felt totally responsible for.
But if it can happen for Megan, it can happen for Darren, too. Maybe I can help Darren, because wouldn’t it be great to see the kid finally sit up straight and show some genuine happiness?
He glanced at Darren, who, although not appearing happy, looked a lot more relaxed now they’d tackled some of his issues, as if articulating some of his problems had helped lighten the load. What was it they said about problems? A problem shared is a problem halved.
“Hi. What can I get for you?” The server’s smile was wide as she dragged a notebook from the front pocket of her apron.
“Something sweet, I think. A bit of a treat. Darren, what’ll it be?”
The conversation turned to other, less stressful topics, as they finished their coffee and ate slices of homemade apple pie. Darren didn’t relax fully, his stiff back and nervous fiddling with his cutlery giving away his unease, but Simon hoped he’d be more comfortable once they started their sessions and spent more time together.
“I know whatI saw, goddammit, so don’t try to tell me otherwise.” Patrick’s eyes flashed with anger.
“I don’t know what you think you saw—”
“There’s nothinkingabout it.” Patrick slammed his messenger bag hard onto the counter, as if punctuating his words. “Isawyou and Darren having your cozy little get-together earlier today.”
“Oh, Jesus, Patrick.” Simon ran his hand through his hair. “Give me a minute or two and I can explain exactly what it was you saw.”
“So you weren’t enjoying coffee and pastries with Darren?”
“No—”
“Huh!”
“Well, Iwasat the bakery café with him, but—”
“So I have every right—”
Simon grabbed Patrick by the upper arms, forcing him to look at him. “No! You don’t have any right to go off at me. I’ve said I’ll explain and I will. What the hell has gotten into you?”
Patrick had the decency to blush, and he clenched his jaw, obviously holding back whatever else it was he wanted to say. Simon led Patrick to the small kitchen and nudged him onto a chair. Patrick was reluctant but eventually sat. Simon dragged another chair out from the table and pulled it close to Patrick before sitting down. He took both of Patrick's hands in his, feeling the tension in Patrick’s arms.
"I'm not sure what brought this on, but I can tell youone hundred percentthat there isnothinggoing on between Darren and me. He asked me for my help, that's all."
