“Man, am I happy that you’re back. I have to admit, even with most of your things still here, I was worried you wouldn’t come back.” Owen hugged Jonah tightly, breathing in his familiar scent. He’d left work a few hours early, knowing that Jonah would be home around twelve. Luckily, Leslie was working out great—even with the shit she gave him on a daily basis—and it gave Owen a little more free time.
“I told you I would.” Jonah returned the hug just as tightly, laughing.
“I know. I’m just really glad you did.” Owen pulled back and took Jonah’s face in his hands, grinning like a damn fool, then hugged him again.
When he finally let go, Jonah went into the kitchen. “Wow, this is really coming along. Brody is amazing.”
“Yeah, he is.” Owen smiled, like he’d been doing ever since the night before at the bar. He cleared his throat, realizing Jonah was staring at him and changed the subject. “So, how’s your family?”
Jonah looked bewildered, most likely wondering when it was that Owen did a one-eighty where Brody was concerned. He had a feeling the subject would definitely come back up in the near future, and honestly, he didn’t know how to explain it. It was something he was still getting used to himself.
“They’re good. They asked about you. My mom sends her love,” Jonah answered.
Owen turned and walked into the living room, flopping on the couch and patting the seat next to him for Jonah to sit. “So, they don’t hate me?”
Jonah sat next to him, still with a furrowed brow. “Why would they hate you?” When Owen’s only response was a shrug, Jonah said, “They know it was mutual, Owen. You know how close I am with my mom. She knew something was up even before I said it out loud.”
“Knowing your mom, that doesn’t surprise me.”
“They also know I’m incredibly happy here, and you will always be in my life.” He paused before adding, “You will, right?” Confused and vulnerable were not emotions usually attached to Jonah. That had to stop. Owen wanted old Jonah back—confident, secure, incredibly sweet. Owen’s best friend.
“Of course, I will, Jonah.” Owen yanked on Jonah’s arm, pulling him into a tight hug again.
“We both deserve to be happy.” Jonah paused, putting a hand on Owen’s cheek. “I can see a change in you already. I like seeing a smile on your face.”
Owen winced, feeling like he’d disrespected Jonah with the things he’d done with Brody this past week. Even more so when he thought about what happened on the very couch they were sitting on. No, Owen didn’t cheat on him, but Jonah’s clothes were still in the closet for fuck’s sake. They’d barely broken up, and Owen already couldn’t stop thinking about another man.
“Don’t do that,” Jonah demanded.
“What?” Owen leaned back, putting some space between them so he could meet Jonah’s eyes.
“I know you, right now you’re feeling guilty, and you’re being ridiculous. We’re both adults here, Owen, and I’m not stupid.” He sighed, his voice softening as he said, “I like Brody.”
Owen reared back, his wide eyes fixed on the one person who could see right through him. You wanted confident Jonah back, didn’t you?
Jonah moved back and drew a leg up on the couch, facing Owen. “If you and I are going to keep our friendship intact, that includes being supportive when the other moves on. I’m not gonna bullshit you, Owen. That’s never been our way.”
“Yeah, but Jonah, it’s only been a week.”
Jonah leaned his arm on the back of the couch, nudging Owen’s thigh with his other hand. “It’s only been a week since you and I were honest with each other. We both know it was over long before that.”
“You don’t think it’s fucked up? He made my life hell in high school, and now...” He covered his face with his hands his words muffled. “It’s so twisted.”
Jonah pulled Owen’s hands away from his face. “I didn’t know Brody back then, but I’ve had a good feeling about him since I met him. I’d like to think I’m a pretty good judge of character.” He winked at Owen, and his mouth curved up in a smirk. “Hell, maybe it’s fate.”
Owen shook his head and laughed. “You know, most people have no idea men like you exist. You’re incredible, you know that?”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Jonah looked down at his watch. “I wanted to go over and talk to Mr. Johnson about his rental. Want to go with me?”
“You mean the house on Main?”
“Yeah.”
Panic rose in Owen’s chest. “I told you, Jonah, you can stay here as long as you want. There’s no need to get a place a minute after you just got back.” He felt like he was losing Jonah, which was so selfish. You can’t have it both ways.
Jonah stood and climbed the stairs to their bedroom. Not our bedroom anymore, but mine, Owen thought as he followed him. This made everything real; everything that Owen had been trying to avoid thinking about for the past week.
“Owen, you know I appreciate the offer, but I’m ready. I’m actually excited. My mom and I went to some flea markets and picked up a few things. They’re in the back of my truck.” Jonah was opening up the closet when he suddenly stopped and stroked his left eyebrow—the way he always did when something was bothering him.
“Shit. The remodel was my idea and now you’re stuck with it. I could still give you money toward it—”
“Are you fucking crazy?” Owen interrupted. “You’re not giving me money for my kitchen.” Lucky for Owen, since the house was passed down in the family, there was no mortgage, just the taxes. He didn’t pay much to live there. Fuck, Jonah would probably be paying more in rent than Owen did for his house. The kitchen remodel was pretty much covered by the money his great-aunt left him. He’d be okay. “What about you? Do you know how much the rental is?”
“Not sure, but I’ve saved a decent amount living here with you. I’ll be okay, Owen.”
Owen sat on the bed with a huff, watching as Jonah walked into their―his, he had to get used to thinking that way―bathroom and washed his face. It was going to be weird without him here every day. Who was he going to eat dinner with and watch stupid movies with? Brody immediately popped into Owen’s mind and guilt settled in his gut.
What kind of man falls out of love with a man like Jonah, only to find that he’s falling for his high school bully? Even with Jonah’s blessing, it didn’t quite feel right. In the back of his mind, a nagging voice told him that Brody had explained himself, and Owen didn’t blame him anymore.
Still, Brody wasn’t the person he should be focusing on right now. He wanted to help Jonah in any way that he could. He was the priority. Jonah, the man that had never, ever, in his entire life, hurt him, was the one Owen needed to focus on.
“Ready to go see Mr. Johnson?” Owen asked, trying to show Jonah support, even if not having him here was going to suck.
Jonah pulled the hand towel away from his face. “Ready.”
It didn’t take them long to get a hold of Mr. Johnson and head over to the rental to meet him. Even Owen had to admit the place was perfect for Jonah. It was a cozy two bed, one bath, ranch style house, with a fireplace almost as big as Owen’s as the main focal piece in the living room. It came partially furnished which was a huge convenience to Jonah. He really only needed to buy a bed, some kitchen supplies, and a TV to make it livable. It was pretty much move-in ready, and Owen wasn’t really sure how he felt about that. Things were changing so fast. At least without a bed, he was sure Jonah would have to wait a little longer to move.
Not the case.
“Okay, Mr. Johnson. If you’re on board, I’d like to start moving in today.”
Mr. Johnson opened his mouth to reply, but Owen found himself cutting him off. “Today? But you don’t even have a bed yet.”
Jonah shrugged. “I have that air mattress that I use for camping. I’ll set that up. If I order a bed today, it should be here in no time.”
“Jonah―”
“Owen,” Jonah said, “I need to do this, and I’m gonna need your help to do it, so please, stop feeling guilty and realize that this is what I want.”
Poor Mr. Johnson was standing there watching the whole thing play out like a tennis match until finally the lightbulb went on in the man’s head, and his eyes widened. Other than Owen’s family and Brody, the old man was the first to hear that Owen and Jonah had broken up. Soon, everyone would know, but maybe that was a good thing. At least Owen wouldn’t have to tell anyone else.
“I’m sorry, you’re right. I’m just gonna miss you.” Owen forced a smile, wanting to see a smile return to Jonah’s face instead of the worry creasing his brow.
“I’m gonna to miss you too, but I’ll literally be five minutes away.” Jonah hugged him and teased, “Now, can we please stop acting like someone died and start moving me in?”
“Yeah, let’s get started.”
“Here you go, son,” Mr. Johnson said. “I’ll bring over the lease in about an hour.” He handed Jonah the keys and walked to the front door. “If you need anything, my number’s on the fridge.”
“Thank you, Mr. Johnson. This house is perfect for me.” Jonah shook his hand, smiling, and Owen could see the genuine happiness on Jonah’s face. He was right. He needed to do this, and Owen had to be supportive.
~ɤ~
“Are you sure you want me to go with you? I’m not exactly the guy you bring home to meet the family.” Gabe’s leg was bouncing in the passenger seat of Brody’s truck. Brody had to admit that seeing him antsy was hysterical to watch.
“Oh, my God. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this nervous, Gabe.” Brody watched Gabe fidget in the passenger seat, a long, elegant finger tapping his leg and skittish eyes glancing back and forth from the road ahead of them to Brody. “Look, I’d really like her to meet you since you are the only family I’ve had for the last nine years, but if it makes you too uncomfortable―”
“Oh, thanks. No fucking pressure there.” Gabe rolled his big, brown eyes. “Besides, Gabriel D’Angelo does not get nervous. I’m simply concerned that once your mother meets me, she will immediately love me, making it impossible for Owen when you bring him.”
Brody’s smile fell, and he faced the road again, trying not to let Gabe see the disappointment that racked him. It didn’t matter—his silence was enough to have Gabe asking questions.
“Still haven’t heard from him?”
Brody found himself making excuses, trying not to lose hope that Owen would come around. “He’s been helping Jonah move and working a lot. I’m sure I’ll talk to him soon.” He wasn’t sure he believed it himself. It had been almost a week since he and Owen had gone out for drinks, but Jonah had come home the day after. Brody didn’t know if he was expecting too much from him. The guy just broke up with Jonah who, let’s face it, left some pretty big shoes to fill. He didn’t know which was stronger—this need to be with Owen, or the guilt he harbored for that need, considering how nice Jonah had been to him from day one.
The happiness that Jonah had found a new place to live warred with the guilt he felt. And fuck if that thought didn’t make him feel guilty too. Despite all the self-loathing, one thing remained: he wanted Owen. Couldn’t stop thinking about him, couldn’t stop wishing he’d say more than just “hello” to him when they saw each other―like the day on the couch never happened.
“I have never seen you this way about a guy before,” Gabe said, practically in awe. “At least, not since...”
“Shut up.”
Gabe reached over and gripped Brody’s arm. “I’m being serious. You, my friend, are falling hard for this guy.”
Completely ignoring him, Brody pulled into his mother’s driveway and parked. “We’re here.” He took some satisfaction in seeing Gabe tense up again, knowing he’d drop the subject of Owen.
Brody got out of the truck and waited for Gabe to slowly follow behind him. He was asking a lot of his friend. It wasn’t easy for anyone to see another person like this, and some part of him resented the fact that Gabe would never meet the woman Brody’s mother once was. Brody meant what he said, Gabe was the only person he considered family, besides his mom, and it was really important to him that she meet him. Before Brody opened the door, he turned to Gabe, the humor from minutes ago completely gone. “Look, I know this isn’t easy, and I’m asking a lot of you. It’s just...you’re my brother, man, in every way that counts, and I’d really like you to meet her.”
The compassion and strength in Gabe’s eyes were familiar to Brody. It was a look he had shown often, every time he’d been there for Brody when he needed him. “I’m honored to be here, Brody. I hope she likes the flowers.”
Brody looked at the yellow tulips in Gabe’s hands. They were his mother’s favorite, a memory he’d stored from every Mother’s Day he’d given them to her, and he knew they would brighten her day. “She’ll love them.”
Brody led the way into the house. He didn’t see his aunt anywhere, but stopped to introduce Gabe to Nancy then headed down the hall to his mom’s room. She was sitting in her chair, looking out the window. Today must be a good day. He glanced over his shoulder at Gabe to make sure he was still there and smiled at him. Then he walked over to her.
“Hi, Mom.” Brody took her hand, leaning in to kiss her on her cheek.
“Hi, honey.” Her eyes immediately brightened when she saw him.
“I want you to meet someone.” He reached his hand out for Gabe and pulled him closer. “This is my best friend, Gabe D’Angelo.” Then turning to Gabe, he said, “Gabe, I’d like you to meet Kathy Walker, my mother.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Walker.” Gabe smiled. Brody pulled a chair over next to his mom for Gabe then sat on the edge of his mom’s bed.
“Please call me Kathy. Oh, my...you didn’t tell me how handsome he is, Brody.” As par for the course, his mom’s voice was extremely soft, her breathing labored.
Gabe looked at him in exaggerated shock and hit Brody lightly on the arm. “Keeping secrets from your own mother? Tsk, tsk, Brody.” Gabe took her hand and kissed the back of it, his smile warm, as he said, “I see where Brody’s gorgeous brown eyes come from, although yours have specks of gold. The sunlight coming through the window makes them sparkle. Truly lovely.” Pink tinted her cheeks at the compliment.
Brody watched as Gabe gave his full attention to his mother and the way his kind words brought a smile to her face. He’d made her feel beautiful, and a comforting warmth spread throughout Brody’s chest. This was why this man was his brother; this was why he’d brought him here.
They talked for a bit, Gabe telling her a cleaned up version of how they’d met. To Brody’s relief, Gabe didn’t mention Ryan in the story either. He wasn’t surprised when his mother had finally brought up Owen, as she’d done every day since he told her how he felt about him.
“Have you...met Owen, Gabe?” she asked softly, her eyes hopeful.
Gabe looked at Brody before responding, “I have.”
“He’s falling in love with him. I can tell. Can you?”
Brody started to say something, stop the conversation before it started, but Gabe nodded his head and spoke first. “I can, yes.”
She attempted to pull his hand, but strength was a thing of the past in her frail body. “Make sure that he tells him, Gabe. He’s already…lost so much.”
Gabe’s determined brown eyes met Brody’s again, and Brody squirmed under the scrutiny. Looking back down at her, Gabe whispered, “I will. I’ll make sure.”
“You’re a sweet boy. I’m so happy he has you.” She smiled then turned tired eyes toward Brody. “Honey, will you help me back to the bed?” Minutes after lying down, she drifted off to sleep.
The ride back to the inn where Gabe was staying was unusually quiet, until finally Gabe said, “She’s right, you know. You need to tell him.”
Brody huffed in annoyance. “Gabe, don’t start.”
“Come on, Brody.” Gabe threw his hands up in frustration. “When are you going to wake the fuck up and fight for what you want?”
“What’s the point if he doesn’t want me, Gabe?” Brody yelled back, gripping the steering wheel. “He’s making it pretty fucking clear that he doesn’t.” The anger and pain he’d tried not to feel was just under the surface now. When he’d left the bar with Owen a week ago, he was walking on cloud fucking nine. Like a fool, he thought they’d taken some huge step forward. What a joke. Brody parked the truck outside of the inn, and they both sat in silence until Brody slammed his hand down on the steering wheel. “Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck!”
“Feel better now? I always did find temper tantrums sexy in grown men,” Gabe said, raising an eyebrow at Brody.
“Shut up.” Brody laughed, though he tried his hardest not to.
Gabe rolled his eyes. “Now, have you ever known me to shut up when told? What are you afraid of, Brody?”
Brody stared out the window, watching the dark clouds roll in, stalling as he searched for something to say. Exhaling long and hard, he whispered, “I don’t want to go through that again. Once was enough. What if he and Jonah decide to get back together? Do you really want to deal with me like that again? Like when we met?”
Gabe nodded. “If it meant that you had finally, after all of these years, taken a chance again? Yes, Brody, you already know that I would.”
Brody glanced at his friend and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “He knows how I feel.”
Gabe shifted in his seat to face Brody. “You told me yourself, you didn’t tell him about Ryan.”
“So?”
“So, he’s having trouble connecting the dots, Brody. You’re the only one who can help him do that, and you didn’t even tell him about your most significant relationship with a man to date.”
Brody looked out his window, leaning an elbow on the door. “Well, I sure as fuck can’t do that now. He’s barely talked to me all week.”
Gabe rubbed his arm, reassuring him, “He’ll come around. Like you said, he’s had a busy week. Want to go out for a drink later? Drown your sorrows in cheap beer and artery-clogging fried things?”
“Nah. I think I’m just gonna go and finish up some things at Owen’s then crash for the night.” He wanted to be out of there before Owen got home, but he didn’t say that to Gabe. Brody pulled him in for a hug. “Thank you for meeting my mom. It meant so much to me.”
“Anything for you. Call me if you change your mind about that drink,” Gabe said and got out of the truck.
Driving away, Brody looked up at the dark clouds rolling in. It wasn’t supposed to rain until the evening, but the sun had disappeared. The weather matched his mood, gray. He didn’t see how any of this was going to work out. Did it really matter anyway? He was only here to be with his mother. Eventually, he’d go back to Boston, and Owen would stay here. It didn’t make any sense to try and make it work with him, even though his heart was having a hard time believing it.