We laughed uncontrollably, but Patrick did look hot as fuck. Not as hot as He-Man, but I was biased.
“It’ll be okay, babe. Me and Mr. Incredible will take care of giving out the candy. You two can just keep the dishes full and entertain our friends.”
Patrick growled under his breath, and we laughed again. “I still can’t believe you expect me to go out in this getup. What will people think?”
I looked over as Cole’s happy expression slipped away. He stopped and looked at Patrick. “They’ll think exactly what you’ve been telling them for years. You’re straight, Patrick, and this should have the women hanging off you to prove it.”
The doorbell rang, prompting Cole to walk away from us, leaving Patrick with his mouth hanging open. His face turned bright red, and he ran his hands through his hair as he looked helplessly at me. “What am I supposed to do?”
I stepped closer to him and put my hand on his bare shoulder. “I love you, but you know the answer to that. I also know no one can make you do it. He’d never out you, but it's been over ten years, Patrick. You can’t have it both ways.”
He stared at me, knowing I was right. We were going on tour in late January, and I prayed they had their shit together before we all got on a bus together.
When the doorbell rang again, I walked off to join Cole to man the candy. I left Michael with Patrick. Maybe he could give him some advice or perspective.
Then again, maybe he couldn’t.
Either way, I felt bad for my two best friends. But sometimes love just wasn’t enough.
At the end of the trick or treating, Patrick had changed into sweats and a t-shirt while Cole went to Alejandro’s with Sam and Owen, our bandmates. I didn’t want to leave him alone, but he said he was going to hit the sack since the Pirates were flying out the next day for a game in Houston.
“I’m sorry, Patrick.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He looked tired, and ready to collapse. “It’s gonna be okay, Adam. We’ve been through this before. You know that.”
I did. “But he’s never been this upset before, Patrick. And that worries me.”
“Me too,” he said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. I knew he was upset.
Michael stepped forward and put his hand on his shoulder. “I’m here if you need to talk. All I can say is, let him know you love him. And think about what you want out of your future. Football doesn’t last forever.”
Patrick nodded his head, and we made our way to the door. Before it closed behind us, I heard my friend break down in sobs in the kitchen. I wanted to go back in and comfort him, but Michael stopped me.
“Give him some time, sweetheart. They’ll work it out if they’re meant to be.”
I reached up and wrapped my arms around his baby oil covered shoulders and pulled him to me. “I like you so much. I really, really, like you.”
He squeezed me tightly to his chest. “I like you too, Rockstar. So, so much.”
Reluctantly, I loosened my hold, and Micheal did too. We didn’t go to Alejandro’s, but opted to go back to my new place and soak in my tub.
I needed to be close to him, because I had a bad feeling I was watching the end of my two best friends’ relationship. And that was like losing my family all over again.
CHAPTER16
MICHAEL
Two weeks after Halloween,the email I’d been waiting on hit my inbox half an hour after I got into work on Wednesday. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the screen. There was a 50/50 chance this would be in Adam’s favor. I didn’t know how to protect him, but I’d never know if I didn’t open the damn thing.
I clicked on the email from Family Finder and read it with bated breath.
Thank you for using Family Match.We have good news in the form of a successfulDNAmatch.At the time of this email, we’ve located a match to your DNA submission. The DNA markers have matched up to an individual that is a 99% match as a paternal uncle.Theinformation provided by the identified party indicated he has a twin sibling, but their DNA has not been submitted for testing. It is highly probable the twin male sibling would be a parent.
I boundup from my chair and went to find Jesse. Luckily, I didn’t have to search long, since he was talking with Aidan.
“Good, you’re both here.”
GQ laughed. “What’s up?”
