A knot formed in Gareth’s chest. How did Cian always manage to hit the nail on the head? “God, you’re way too perceptive.”
“That’s my best quality, and the only reason you’re lying on my floor right now. And maybe it’ll make you happier to at least get things straight with Hazel and eliminate the one thing that’s been bothering you for years: Knowing what you want out of life.”
“All I ever wanted was to lead the Hawks,” he muttered.
“Bullshit. You wanted more.”
He swallowed. Yes. And that was exactly the cause of his panic. Wanting more. Wanting something he wasn’t solely responsible for, something that didn’t depend on how hard he worked, but on a thousand other factors over which he had no control. And having no control was… It was…horrible.
He sighed, blinked the thoughts out of his head, looked at Cian…and his gaze landed on the terrarium sitting on a dresser next to the couch.
“Do you have a second turtle?” he asked, perplexed.
Cian’s face darkened. “Yes.”
“Man…”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Gareth laughed. “You’re weak, my friend.”
“Says the guy on my floor.”
Chapter Fifteen
Social conduct for hate-free inter-colleague teamwork
Short: SCHIT
Additional clause X-2:
Sexual favors may only be exchanged outside work hours and may not affect the job of either party in any way.
Dad? Why is Uncle Gareth lying on our floor?”
“Because he’s too heavy to lift onto the couch.”
“Oh. Why didn’t you wake him up?”
“He needs the sleep.”
“Why? Is he sick?”
“No. Just confused.”
“Why is he confused?”
“Hmm, maybe confused isn’t the right word. He wouldn’t like that. Yesterday, he was more pissed off.”
“Why was he pissed off?”
“Because you’re shouting,” Gareth cried out, groaning as he hoisted himself into a sitting position, only to find himself staring straight into his goddaughter’s grinning face.
“Sorry, Gare. But it’s Tuesday, it's nine o’clock, your suit is all wrinkled, and you’re lying on the floor. I was worried.”
He yawned. “I’m fine. I…” He opened his eyes wide. “Fuck. Did you say nine o’clock?”
“Watch your language, Gare!”
