“I understand,” Garrett sympathized. “Even if it’s not true and you know in your heart of hearts that you’re worthy, it still bites when people put you down. I just wish it didn’t get to you so much. Damn, I wish it didn’t happen in the first place.”
“That’s why I hate going to those events. All those people looking down their noses at me. I’m just glad your family has always made me feel welcome.”
“It should be like that with everyone.”
Aaron nodded. “But Richard especially gets on my nerves. He knows all the right buttons to push.”
He immediately had a flashback of Hunter and Richard circulating amongst the wealthier patrons at the Christmas Eve Dance six years ago. They’d looked good together in their bespoke tuxedos, and Aaron had felt like a ring-in in his rented suit. He knew he didn’t fit in, not like they did, both of them being born into the upper social circles of Cavendish Crossing and Aaron born into a family struggling to make ends meet. He could still hear Richard’s whispered words from that night so long ago.“Can’t you take a hint, McBride? He didn’t show up to your little shindig because he had more important things to do. It’s obvious that Hunter and I are much better suited. Even his parents can see it. Hunter’s moved on to bigger and better things and isn’t interested in slumming it anymore. Why don’t you find someone more in your own league?”
The server approached and poured coffee, and they ordered breakfast.
“So, what are you going to do about it?” Garrett asked once they were alone again.
“Do about Richard? Nothing. He can rot in hell as far as I’m concerned.”
“Not Richard. Hunter.’
Aaron raised a brow. “You warned me off Hunter. Told me to be careful, to watch myself.”
“I did. But maybe I was wrong.” Garrett held up a hand. “Not wrong about being careful, because I always want the best for you, but wrong to warn you off.”
“Yeah?” Aaron raised a brow. “What makes you say that?”
Garrett sipped his coffee before answering. “I wonder if we were too quick to judge him, even way back then. I mean, we hate the judgmental attitude of people like Richard, but haven’t we done the same thing in a way?”
“I know what you mean. I always assumed that he grew up to be exactly like his parents, but he isn't like that at all, is he? Hunter isn’t perfect, but he shouldn’t be held accountable for the sins of others. I’ve taken a lot of things at face value and not really considered Hunter’s motivations. It can’t be easy being raised as a Cavendish.”
“You can say that again.” Garrett leaned forward, “Listen, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Yeah?”
“Last night, when Richard basically pointed out that your family weren’t members of the inner circle and turned his nose up at your store—”
“Don’t remind me.” Aaron slumped.
“Oh, you’ll like what I have to say.” Garrett folded his arms and smirked. “As soon as you’d left, Hunter gave Richard a piece of his mind and called him an asshole. It was heaven to watch.”
“Really?” Aaron warmed at the thought of Hunter reprimanding that smug bastard.
Six years ago, Aaron and Hunter had had words, and they’d said some horrible things to each other. Aaron knew that his calling Hunter a stuck-up snob was definitely something that no longer applied. He had doubts it had even been true back then. And if he could change his mind about Hunter, see the real man beneath, and want to give their friendship—oh, and so much more—a second chance, then maybe Hunter wanted the same things. Judging from his texts, he did. It was about time they had an open and honest discussion.
He felt a flutter in his belly, a lighthearted feeling of hope.
By the time his breakfast arrived at the table, Aaron was smiling.
* * *
They metin Aaron’s office, rather than a more public place. Aaron wanted the privacy and hoped Amy had everything under control and they wouldn’t be interrupted.
“I guess I should start by explaining why I left so quickly last night,” Aaron said. He was glad Hunter had agreed to meet with him so he could finally air his feelings. He just hoped Hunter was receptive and they could set the record straight once and for all.
“I think I know. Richard wasn’t very subtle in his comments, and I think I would have left too.” Hunter huffed out a laugh. “Listen to me. Of course I would have left. I’m the king of running away, remember?”
Aaron raised a brow. “I’m not sure I get what you’re saying.”
“Back when we were teenagers? I was so hurt by being rejected that I chose to avoid you by not coming back to town. Somehow I thought running away was easier than facing you and my feelings.”
“I don’t understand. Rejected?”
