Schedules and legalities were nearly solidified, though Colin was still grinding his way through some of the more obscure legal requirements. The goal of that night’s get-together was to bring everyone up to speed and to catch up with each other’s lives.
“So, I’m co-coaching your baseball team!” Trent teased, handing Colin a six-pack of Murphy’s Irish Stout. “Fan-fucking-tastic! Happy to help, buddy! And don’t worry: I know I can improve on your outdated coaching strategies.”
Joshua rolled his eyes. “Please, don’t start, you two. We have important items to discuss tonight, and I don’t have time to referee.”
Colin and Trent both snickered as Colin pulled a can of stout from the six-pack. “I suppose we can refrain from tormenting each other,” he said, then nudged Trent’s shoulder. “For tonight anyway.”
Jeff, who had followed Trent into the house, edged him out of the way and moved to sit on the living room couch. “Just ignore them, Josh. They only act that way because they crave attention. Couple of damned show-offs.”
Joshua smiled, then closed the door behind their guests. “Relax, everyone. We’ll eat as soon as Davy and Nate arrive.” He took the stout from Colin and walked toward the kitchen. “I’ll put this in the fridge.”
“Take it easy,” Colin encouraged, guiding Trent toward the couch where Jeff sat waiting. “David and Nate are on the way. How’s everything going?”
Trent and Jeff exchanged a sharp glance, and then Jeff shrugged. “Going pretty good. Work’s been busy lately, what with … well, you know.”
“With everything going on politically right now, it can’t be easy for guys in your profession,” Colin told him. “Camp Pride will be good for you, Jeff. Spend some time with nature instead of all that CIA bullshit.”
Jeff nodded but gave no reply, and when Colin glanced at Trent, he quirked his mouth and shrugged. “What’s going on with you two?” Colin demanded, setting his stout on the coffee table. “You’re both pissy. What’s going on?”
“We’re not fighting,” Jeff insisted. “Just … not happy at the moment.”
“No. I’mnothappy!” Trent snapped. “I just went two whole days and nights without evenseeinghim! Goddamn CIA, won’t even let him come home nights!”
“Trent, it’s not that they …” Jeff began, then sighed and let his voice trail off, staring down at the floor. “It’s notlikethat,” he mumbled finally, then turned to face Trent. “And you damn wellknowit.”
“OK, OK,” Colin soothed, then turned to Trent. “Buddy, can’t you have a little flexibility?” He nodded toward Jeff. “It’s not like hewantsto spend his nights there.”
“But god forbid he say no to the almighty CIA!” Trent huffed.
Jeff opened his mouth, then closed it. His shoulders sagged. For a moment, he looked like he might say something—then he sprang to his feet and stalked toward the kitchen.
“See?” Trent said, pointing.
“Well, you’ve kind of been all over him. He’s got a tough job, Trent.”
“Colin, I get that. But the goddamn place iskillinghim!” He leaned toward Colin. “Did he tell you he’s on medication for heart arrhythmia?”
Colin glanced toward the kitchen. “No. He didn’t.”
“Multifocal atrial tachycardia,” Trent muttered. “That’s the diagnosis.”
“Jesus!”
“And that goddamn place has him working eighteen-hour days, forty-eight hours on end!” Trent’s voice cracked. He scrubbed a hand over his face like he was trying to wipe the fear and frustration off his skin.
“I know that’s hard on you.”
“It’s not just me. He and Sophie have grown close. She misses him terribly.” He husked out a breath. “I don’t like to see her hurt. We’re supposed to be afamily!”
“Look, Trent. Sophie is a smart, sensitive young lady. She can be helped to understand the situation. Jeff’s not staying away because hewantsto! You know he adores her.”
“I know, Colin,” Trent muttered. “But that’s not the only problem.” He leaned toward his friend. “I’ve asked him to marry me at least a dozen times in the past six months, and he refuses even todiscussit. We’ve been living together for two years, and hestillbacks away anytime I bring it up.”
“Trent, there may be other emotions at work here.”
“Adam?” Trent said, referring to Jeff’s former partner who died ten years ago earlier of brain cancer. “You think it’s stillAdam?”
“Could be. I mean, I’m not a shrink—that’s my husband’s territory. And Iknowhe’s let Adam go. But the kind of trauma he went through with Adam tends to last. I mean, I get it. You’re worried. You’re upset. I’d be worried, too. But, man! Bitching him out only adds to the stress he’s already under. I can’t see that being good for his heart,orfor any marriage plans you might want to make.”
