“We have to leave Meg’s family’s house in a month.”
“You can stay with me, then, if you want. There’s plenty of space for you in my cabin.”
Cubby’s breath catches. He keeps his face buried against my chest. I beg the universe that he’ll say yes, that he’s considering my offer and realizing how right it is. He doesn’t need a damn thing, not as long as I’m here, if only he’ll stay.
“I can’t,” he says weakly. “That’s so sweet, but I can’t, Chase. I need to figure my life out, and…and…”
“It’s okay.” I squeeze him tighter, trying to keep my voice from breaking. “I understand.”
My face is hot. It’s embarrassing that I asked. I’m not good enough for him. I might have my little cabin in the woods, but that’s not enough for everyone. Cubby doesn’t need to explain that to me. It’s a hard lesson, painful, but one I’ve been learning all summer.
“You’ll find what you need,” I manage to say. “You’ll get back to the city and find your path. I know it because you’re fucking Cubby. There’s no one like you, and it’s just a matter of time until the rest of the world sees that.”
He looks up at me. His lip is quivering, and tears are running into his beard, but there’s a light in his eyes too. “Thanks, Chase.” He steps back and wipes his eyes. “Thanks,” he repeats quietly.
I bend down and scoop up his phone. “Just let me know what I can do to help you, all right?”
“You’ve already done so much.” He takes the phone, then lets out a sad laugh. “Not sure I deserve you.”
Somehow, through a world of pain, I give him half a smile. “You deserve so much more.”
