Even though the day had gone in their favor, and they’d shared a love-soaked reunion, no one would be able to tell, because Tristan’s face was hilariously stricken.
“Wonderful.”
18
TRISTAN
“Ican’tbelievethatRain almost died in that fire!” Tristan wiped a tear from his cheek, sniffling.
Originally, Rain had told Tristan that he’d been evacuated with everyone else during The Pointe’s fire, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Apparently, Eve’s first visit to the wedding hall had been the same day as the fire, and Rain had been so traumatized that he’d hidden from everyone, ignoring the alarms and eventually needing to jump from the second-floor window.
Tristan understood why Rain hadn’t told him until now, because he’d practically had a heart attack after that confession, needing a couple of minutes to sit down and many hugs.
Once he’d collected himself, Jax’s mother wanted a word with him; however, Jax had only allowed them a short conversation before dragging Tristan to his car.
“But hedidn’tdie.” Jax patted Tristan’s leg as they waited at a traffic light. “And as corny as it sounds, The Pointe banded together to save him, just like they did for us.”
“That’s true. And I know Rain kept that from me out of good intentions…” Tristan paused, pressing his lips together in thought before sniffling again. “But it made me feel like garbage. And I did the same thing to you. I’m sorry.”
“You’re fired,” Jax pointed at him. “Hey, at least my mom likes you.”
“I don’t think so.” The light changed to green and Tristan made a left turn. “Not with the way she stared at me.”
“She didn’t punch you or yell at you, right?” Jax chuckled.
“No, but I felt like I was being interrogated by the FBI.” She’d hit him with question after question, mostly about when and where he was born, his education, what jobs he’d had, where he lived, and if he had any other crazy exes. Tristan had somehow managed to stammer out answers to each, but Jax had pulled him away before he got to the last one, getting into a quick shouting match with her before they left.
“Don’t worry, she’ll come around.” Jax didn’t seem upset about it, so they probably argued like that a lot.
“Our mothers are so different,” Tristan murmured.
“What’s your mom like?” Jax asked, his voice sounding just as tired.
“Warm, steady, quiet. She always wants to hear both sides of the story and lead with empathy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her angry.” And she’d raised Tristan to be the same, but over the last few months, he’d modified her lessons. Now, he could simultaneously stand up for himself and hold onto his serenity; in fact, he might be able to grasp it even more tightly with boundaries and the strength to defend them.
“Wow, yeah, my mother is the exact opposite of that,” Jax chuckled again. “I know where I get it from.”
“But like me, you’re working to overcome your upbringing. And you’re doing so well.” Tristan had to admit, when he saw Eve lunge for Jax, something primal rose up within him, and he didn’t think he could move that fast.
Once he’d taken the punch, he’d worried that Jax would retaliate, because he could’ve only stopped one of them. Surprisingly, Jax had stayed level-headed and downright wise tonight, while Tristan had been the emotional one, venting his built-up rage. It was like they’d switched places, their influence on each other undeniable.
“Oh,” Jax exclaimed as they pulled up to the apartment building. “I don’t have my indoor sneakers. Actually, I don’t have anything.”
“It’s okay, I’m shellshocked,you’reshellshocked.” Tristan let out a breath that puffed his cheeks. “I’m surprised I remembered how to get home.”
Laughing, Jax got out of the car and Tristan followed. Their hands brushed in the elevator, and Tristan’s heart did a backflip as Jax’s pinky gently wrapped around his own. While he didn’t feel as guilty as he didbefore, the twist in his chest would definitely linger, reminding him how lucky he was to have Jax back in his arms again. He’d always be grateful that the love of his life had returned to him, and he’d make it his mission to always be honest and never take Jax for granted.
As they stepped into the apartment, Jax looked down at his sneakers again.
“You could leave them on, or I could carry you around.” Tristan’s body thrummed with the need to touch Jax, to be closer to him, but it didn’t have to be sexual, although he wouldn’t turn that down.
Jax took off his shoes.
“Are you up for it, Hot Bearded Guy?” His smirk had a weary edge. “By the way, after everything today? I need a good cup of tea, some food, and probably a nap.”
Tristan barked out a laugh, his roller coaster of emotions catching up to him.
“Music to my ears.” Lifting at the knees, Tristan gently picked Jax up, and Jax smiled, wrapping his arms around Tristan’s neck as they walked into the bedroom.
