“What does that mean?”
“I couldn’t give him any kind of life he deserves. Even if I wanted more, I’m not capable of it. He deserves someone who can love him and give him a normal life.”
Whisper shrugs. “It’s early days yet, man. Anything can happen. If you’d told me two years ago that Specter would be married, I would’ve laughed you out of my sight.”
I chuckle. “True.”
“And Wraith? With a fucking hockey player? Come on. No one saw that coming.”
“No. Especially considering how they met.”
“Exactly. My point is, who knows what will happen next? Maybe you and Rue will spend a few weeks or months togetherthen go your separate ways. Maybe he’ll want to leave as soon as Leon is no longer a threat. Or maybe…” He grins at me. “Maybe you’re the next man down.”
I scoff. “Unlikely.”
“But stranger things have happened.”
I can’t even imagine it, but the thought is kind of nice. I definitely haven’t had enough of Rue yet.
“Just enjoy this while it lasts, man.”
I nod. “I will. Thanks for your help. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He salutes me. “I’ll be there.”
I leave his room and wander back to mine, leaving a message in the group chat as I walk.
Me: Need help and opinions. Meet after breakfast?
The replies flow in offering support.
Shadow: Everything okay?
Me: Yes. I need ideas about something.
Shadow: See you in the morning.
When I enter my room again, Rue is sitting up in bed using the remote to surf channels.
“Where did you go?” he asks.
“Uh, sorry. Did I wake you?”
“No. Kind of. I have trouble sleeping sometimes, you know?”
“Right. Well, I’m back.”
“Is everything okay?”
Nodding, I join him in bed, taking the remote and muting the TV. “I turned your phone on and there were messages from Leon.”
Rue frowns. “That doesn’t surprise me. What did he say?”
“Some pretty unhinged shit. I called him.”
Rue’s eyes widen. “You did? Did you talk to him?”
“I did, yes.” I take his hand in mine, dragging my fingers over his palm and marveling at the softness. He’s so pristine; unsullied by this world.
