Every single time.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Griffin
I woke up Sunday morning with Vancouver still sitting heavy in my chest—the loss, the pressure, the weight of my father’s ghost watching from the rafters. My apartment was quiet, a silence that amplified rather than soothed, and I reached for my phone before I’d fully opened my eyes… 6:15 a.m.
Too early to be awake on the day after a road trip, but my brain had other plans.
I scrolled through the usual notifications—sports news, a message from Michael praising my “effort despite the outcome,” a text from my mom asking me to call when I had time. Nothing that required immediate attention, nothing that would distract me from the loop of self-criticism playing in my head.
My thumb hovered over Wesley’s name in my contacts. We’d texted briefly on the bus last night, but I wanted more. Wanted his voice, his presence. I needed someone who could see past the public image to the person underneath and tell me I was enough even when I felt like I wasn’t.
Too early. He’s probably still asleep.
But my fingers moved anyway.
Griffin
What are you doing today?
I set the phone on my chest and stared at the ceiling, not expecting an immediate response. Which made it surprising when my phone chimed thirty seconds later.
Wesley
Going for my morning run in about 20. You?
Griffin
Light skate at 10.
I should have left it there—professional, appropriate, an exchange that wouldn’t raise eyebrows if anyone saw it. But the apartment felt too empty, and the memory of waking up in Wesley’s hotel room—his warmth, his company—made the distance between us feel unbearable.
Griffin
Want to come over later? I could make lunch. We could watch a movie.
The three dots appeared, disappeared, reappeared. I watched them with my pulse inexplicably quick, waiting for his response like it held more weight than a simple Sunday afternoon invitation.
Wesley
Define “make lunch.” Because I’ve seen your cooking skills.
Despite everything—the loss, the pressure, the complicated tangle of feelings about my father—I chuckled.
Griffin
Fine. I’ll order sandwiches. I’m very good at opening takeout containers.
Wesley
That’s a valuable skill. What movie?
Griffin
Your choice. I’ve got a few streaming services.
Wesley
