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Garrett’s glassy eyes met his, and Rafe’s heart broke at the sadness lurking behind them.

“It’s what I need right now,” he said, clearing his throat. “I’m gonna go take a shower, and after that maybe we can get to work on this case.

“Sounds good. I’ll hop in the guest shower,” Rafe said, resigned.

“Yeah, okay.” Garrett spun on his heel and hurried up the stairs.

A shower sounded like a good plan, since it wouldn’t take long for the mess in his pants to get uncomfortable.

Rafe had brought nothing but sadness to Garrett’s life for longer than he’d thought, and he had to let him come back to him on his own time. Rafe meant it when he said he wouldn’t leave him ever again. If Garrett needed to see that to believe it, he’d spend every day for the rest of his life showing up for him.

As he walked upstairs to his own shower, he wondered if the water pressure would be strong enough to wash away his guilt.

Gym Rat Pack Group Chat

COLE: Do you guys think Zeus referred to his dick as his lightning rod?

CHASE: There’s zero chance of that not being true.

HUNTER: Real missed opportunity if he didn’t.

RILEY: Zeus the Greek god?

COLE: No, my neighbor’s dog. Yes, the Greek god.

CARSON: Well, he’s known as the god of lightning. And he was famously promiscuous.

JOSH: I don’t remember that part from the Disney movie.

TOBIAS: Is that what you’re teaching in class these days, Cole?

COLE: Nah, it just occurred to me while organizing my upcoming unit on The Odyssey.

HUNTER: The fact Cole is still employed by a high school should tell you he can rein in his Cole-ness when he’s teaching.

COLE: I save all my inappropriate conversations for my friends. You should all feel lucky.

GARRETT: I appreciate the distraction. Musing over Zeus’ pet names for his own body parts is better than the shit I’m dealing with today.

HUNTER: Everything okay?

GARRETT: Just cop stuff. Better question: who can come up with the best pickup line Zeus would use regarding his lightning rod?

JOSH: Challenge accepted!

TOBIAS: I forfeit.

COLE: Lightning may not strike the same place twice, but my lightning rod hits the right spot every time.

CHASE: Careful, my lightning rod has shocked many.

CARSON: Eros may be the god of love with his bow and arrow, but I’d rather use my lightning rod.

JOSH: Have you ever seen a lightning rod up close? Would you like to?

RILEY: The Temple of Zeus was erected to honor my lightning rod, which is currently also erected.

HUNTER: Sex toy makers had to stop production on the new line based on my lightning rod. It broke the mold.