“Thanks.”
“What did you play?”
“Claire De Luneby Debussy. I’m a little rusty.”
“It was fantastic. Beautiful. Is that what you want to do professionally?”
His head is down whenhe shakes it. “Nah, I just… love music. I’m going to be a doctor one day. I want to heal.”
I set my glass on the coffee table, walk over to him, and bump my hip against his shoulder. He moves over so I can sit next to him. “I think you can do whatever you want. It sounds clichéd, but it’s true. You’re so smart and talented. You can do whatever you set your mind to.”
“Thanks.”
He still doesn’t say a lot, but playing the piano is a sign of healing, at least from what I see. It’s a promise that he’ll be okay.
I couldn’t ask for a better outcome than this.
Chapter 32
Seth - Epilogue
Oneyearlater
I fall back into bed after my shower, still naked, letting my fan cool my skin. My muscles on top of my muscles ache like hell, but the hot water helped a little.
I sit up on my elbows and look around my now-empty bedroom. A small pine of sadness hits me. I’ll miss this room. I’ll miss this house. It’s filled with years of good memories, and some bad ones, too. Not only from Malcolm, but from Leo too. Therapy has helped a lot with my abandonment issues and sense of betrayal from Leo. It has also brought peace of mind and helped with my relationship with Calvin.
But now I’m ready to create some new memories with Calvin at his house. We agreed I’d move in with him, even if moving three kids and all my crap was a hassle. It was my idea because I wanted to start fresh with him, even if it is only next door.
The kids are at my parents’ house. They plan to take them out to dinner and to a movie to give Calvin and me an evening to break in his house.
Right when I sit up to get dressed, my phone buzzes. I reach for it on the nightstand and see that it’s Calvin. He can’t even wait one second before I’m back over there.
Joker: For old times' sake?
Me: ???
Joker: How about a little phone sex?
Me: You can’t wait until I get there?
Joker: Nope. When are we going to be able to do this again?
Me: You have a point.
Joker: I’m always right.
Me: ??????
Joker: Is that a yes?
Me: You know dang well that’s an eye roll.
Joker: I’ll take that as a yes, then.
I chuckle and shake my head. He knows I’ll give in because I want to do it, but it’s fun to tease him back when he teases me so much.
Joker: And you can say ‘damn’. You should try saying it
