Page 66 of Seasons of Love
He shook his head.
“Oh, fuck, I’m sorry.”
"Yeah, lost Sam going on ten years ago."
"I'm so sorry, Travis."
He finished his beer and drank the full glass of water straight away.
"I look back sometimes and wonder at how many lifetimes I've lived already, you know? How many life-changing decisions I've made. How cursed I felt and how lucky I was. Still am."
Wasn't that the truth?
"I know how that feels more than you know, brother."
He peeked at his watch and stood up. "I better get going. Sorry to drop on your doorstep unannounced like this. When I saw you, I…I don't know. I don't have great memories of that time, but I always thought you were a good guy, and if life taught me anything, it was to hold on to the good guys."
I stepped into his space and gave him a hug.
"Thank you, Travis. I am glad you came by. Let's keep in touch."
After he left, I had a sudden rush of energy come over me. I was dying to see Aiden, touch him, make love to him, tell him I was so ridiculously in love with him. I wanted to beg him to move to Chester Falls, or hell, I'd move to San Diego.
Was there anything more worthy in life than pursuing this? No.
I'd lost so much in my life already. But I'd also gained so much. It was time to focus on the good stuff. And Aiden was my good stuff.
But after being thrust into my life over the last week, Aiden deserved some time to himself. I'd give him tonight, and then tomorrow I'd sweep him off his feet or kidnap him and tie him to my bed. Potato, potahto.
I spent the rest of the day cleaning the apartment, catching up with my laundry, and even cooked a nice meal for myself, which I ate after I had a long, hot shower and trimmed my beard.
After dinner I settled on the couch with one of the books I'd gotten at the book fair and hadn't read yet. I hadn't even gotten to the end of the first chapter when my phone rang.
I smiled when I saw Aiden's name pop up.
"Hey."
"Hi…Slade. Um, I'm sorry to do this to you last minute, but I have to go back to San Diego. I can't help you finish the bike. I'm so sorry."
What? No. No. No.
"Aiden, what's wrong? You don't sound like yourself. Let me come over there."
"No! I'm fine, honestly. I just have stuff I need to attend to. I haven't been home for nearly a month, so…"
"Can I come with you? You shouldn't drive all the way on your own."
"No, please, Slade, just…" He let out a breath on the other side.
Was this it? Were we done, just like that, with no explanation?
"Aid, please. I know the last week was tough. All the stuff I told you, and then Ted and meeting Mike, but—"
"Slade." He said my name as if it were final. "I'm sorry."
He hung up, which was as good as sticking a knife right through my heart and twisting it.
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