Page 145 of Studs Up
“No,” he said. “He made me get that from his house. He refused to go in.”
I paused.
“Why?” That didn’t feel good.
“I don’t know. Maybe the memories?” Alex actually looked sad about that. Not knowing the whole story was driving me insane. He was only a few floors away from me. I could find out why. Right now, ride the elevator up and demand to know what the fuck was going on. But no. That would make it worse. I had to keep my focus.
By tomorrow, it would be over. If this worked, I would have him back and some answers.
“Has he told you anything?” I hoped there was a hint of the real story even if Alex didn’t actually know what it meant, or maybe he had told Alex, and a part of me wished he did. But Alex shook his head.
“He’s hurting, but he won’t say a fucking word. I’m really worried.”
A few drunk businessmen were loudly stumbling into the lobby. Their ties askew, and their speech slurred. They made a lot of noise, drawing the staff's attention and anyone having a late night drink in the bar.
“Alex,” I sighed. “There’s more going on, and if he hasn’t told you, I won’t. But stay with him, please.”
We had a moment of understanding. We were on the same side. His slow nod sealed our unspoken agreement to be friends, at least for this.
“Now turn around.” He rolled his eyes and turned around as I unfolded the paper and laid it flat on the wall.
“What is it anyway?” He asked.
“The most important thing I’ve ever given him.” And he brought it. He could have left it at home or ripped it up and burned it. Instead, he was still carrying it with him.
“A piece of paper?”
I added the last step and folded it back up.
“It’s what’s on it, dumbass,” I tapped his shoulder, and he turned around. “Put it back exactly where you found it.”
“Duh,” he mumbled. “I do not want to get caught.”
“Now you need to piss him off,” I said.
“Why me?”
“Because I can’t. Not before the game, anyway.”
“Do you want to lose?” He crossed his arms. I had to get him out of his head.
“No,” I said. “Fuck no.” Although if we won, I wasn’t entirely sure what that would do with my chances of getting him back. I wanted the trophy. But I wanted him more. Fucking team sports.
The most crucial part was showing the world how competitive we were because when it came out, I was the other man, and it would. We needed everyone to know that neither of us backed down on the field.
“But Holden has to play the game of his life tomorrow, or none of this will get better.”
“Shutting the haters up.”
“Exactly.”
“So I get him riled up, and then you finish the job,” he eyed me. “Right?”
I grinned.
“God,” Alex flinched. “Don’t do that, it’s terrifying.”
“Go to the gym and stay with him.” I pointed at his chest and glared. Alex backed up with his hands in the air.
