“Is it Maximov?”
“Jesus! I really want people to stop asking me that. Vanya is my friend. My non-sex friend.”
“Okay. Fair.” He pulled his hand back and cleared his throat. “And about Dad. Did you find something for him? Do you need my help?”
“I think we found a place. I got medical power of attorney so I can handle all his care and get him situated where he won’t, you know, hurt himself or anyone else. He’s been kind of an asshole when he’s lucid. He asks about Caleb a lot.”
“He fucking would,” Micah said, not even trying to hide the bitterness from his tone.
I had nothing to say to that. “I just wanted you to know what was going on. And to check on you, because everyone’s worried about how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine,” he snapped. He was defensive, and I always knew when something was going on. But I also knew that he wasn’t going to tell me. Micah was a stubborn bastard and would not be pushed.
“I know you’re not, but I’ll let it go so long as you promise me you’re safe. And not in danger, or you don’t owe some mobster money, or…”
“Fuck off.” He laughed, trailing off with a sigh. “I don’t owe anyone money, and I’m not in physical danger. I just…it’s whatever. It’s a thing, and I’m handling it, and it’s fine.”
He really, really didn’t sound like he was telling the truth. “Promise me you’ll talk to me, okay? Whatever it is?”
There was a long pause, and then he sighed. “Look, I should go. But, uh…I’ll text Hugo this weekend and see if maybe wewants to do a barbeque thing at his place. We can hang out. You can invite some of the new boys, eh? And your new one?”
My spine stiffened. I had no idea if Alexio would go for something like that. But it was worth a try. “Yeah. That could be nice.”
“And, uh…and if you need help with Dad…”
“No.”
He let out a heavy breath. “I know I’ve been a shithead, but he’s my dad too. I can share this with you, okay?”
“I could probably use help packing up all his shit once we get the approval for his residency,” I finally admitted. “That…that could be nice.”
The couch shifted as Micah leaned over, and he cupped the side of my neck. “I’m sorry for being a fuck stick.”
I burst into laughter and shoved him back. “You’re always a fuck stick. Don’t change now.”
Micah got up, and I followed him to the door, my steps shuffling along the floor behind his. I waited for him to grab his cane before asking, “Did you call a car?”
“Nah. I called Ford since I knew he was in town. I’ve been kind of avoiding everyone, so I think I need to do some rounds of apologies.”
I wasn’t sure if he should yet, considering he wasn’t even sharing what his problem was, but I also wasn’t going to stop him. Micah wasn’t exactly the apologize-first type of guy, so this was progress.
“I’ll text you soon, okay?”
“Yeah.” He opened the door and took a step out, and then we both froze as he inhaled deeply. “Jesus, what is that smell? Brut?”
It was. It fucking was. I mean, it couldn’t be because he wasn’t due in until late tomorrow, but what other guy was wearing this garbage anymore? I waited for Alexio to sayanything. To do anything. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe he wasn’t there. Maybe he overheard me and Micah talking while the door was closed, and he thought I was with someone and left.
My guts twisted.
“Tell your neighbor he smells like eighty-year-old ass,” Micah said, then stepped out into the hall and shut the door.
I collapsed against it, my forehead resting on the wood, and I took a deep breath. I could still smell it. And, although it was impossible, I thought maybe I could sense him. But I wasn’t fucking Spider-Man or whatever.
I wasn’t a superhero.
And I wasn’t that lucky.
Turning away, I started back toward the living room, but before my fingers touched the corner of the wall, I heard it.
The softest, most gentle knock.
