Page 83 of After the Chase

Chase sits back down, watching them go. "That was weird, did you two fight or something?"

“No.”

Chase looks at me and his eyes widen as he finally picks up on who Ethan is.

“He’s just like you, isn’t he? Ethan?”

“I wondered if you would detect it.”

“He’s good at hiding it. Wow.”

“I don’t think that will last for long.”

“I’m not even gonna ask how you know that. But, back to our previous conversation. When are you going to see Marcus to tell him we’re leaving? And maybe you should tell Dima?”

"I’ll send an email. You can tell Tyler.”

“You can’t email them, Noah.”

“Yes, I can.”

I signal for the check, my hand still gripping his hand across the table. When we stand to leave, my hand finds the small of his back, guiding him through the restaurant. We pass Ethan and Leo's table, and Ethan glances up.

Our eyes meet one final time, followed by a nod of mutual respect. An unspoken understanding.

And then we’re gone.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHASE

One Week Later

I haven't seen Tyler for a week, since he’s been home. Between Noah's “work”, and my writing deadlines, and the constant pull of our isolated existence, I've let too much time pass. The guilt sits heavy in my chest as I stand outside Tyler and Ivan's door, my hand raised to knock. Before I can, the door swings open.

"Chase." Tyler's face breaks into a genuine smile. "Ivan said you were coming by, I’ve missed you.”

I pull him into a hug, careful not to squeeze too hard. But Tyler doesn't flinch. He hugs me back with surprising strength, and when we separate, I can see it, and he looks so much better, healthier. The pallor that haunted his face for weeks is gone, replaced by color. His movements are easier, more fluid.

"You look good," I say, relief flooding through me.

"I feel good." He steps aside, gesturing me in. "Come on. Ivan's making coffee."

The house smells like espresso and baked goods. Ivan appears from the kitchen, dressed in his darkwash jeans and black henley. I notice the hickey on his neck and smile to myself. Clearly things are getting back to normal.

"Chase."

"Ivan." He hands me a cup of coffee and I follow them to the living room.

Tyler settles onto the couch with surprising ease, patting the cushion beside him.

"Sit. Tell me what's going on with you."

I sit, cradling the coffee cup. "You look like you're really recovering."

"Physical therapy is a bitch, but it's working." Tyler flexes his leg slightly. "The doctor says I'll be back to normal in another few months. No permanent damage."

"That's incredible."