Page 18 of Embers Glow After the Fire

He never told Eli his secrets were secrets. He searches the forest for the words to speak. “Ex—well…” He can’t find them. “That’s over.” He wants to jump in the lake.

“So you're divorced?”

“Will be.” Brendon steps around Robbie’s lead to get the hike moving again.

“Matty may not be the best rebound.” Phoenix pushes.

“Phoenix.” Robbie bites.

“He’s never going to be over Adam.”

“Behave.” Robbie catches up to Brendon’s long-legged gait. Marching in double-step to match his long-legged gate. “You okay?”

“Of course.” Brendon flips on a smile. “Just a long story I left in Texas.”

Robbie’s tight brows offer comfort and a silent message he’s available to lean on.

“Who’s Adam?” Brendon shifts the target off himself.

“Matty’s husband—” Phoenix chimes.

“Adam died 10 years ago—today is the deathiversary,” Robbie adds.

“Fuck.” Brendon’s gut sinks. He would choose such horrible timing to be inappropriate by crawling into the stranger’s bed on the eve of his husband’s death date. He pinches the bridge of his nose and knots his arms around his chest. “I’m a fucking asshole.”

“What?” Robbie pinches his face.

“My drunk ass crawled into his bed last night.”

Phoenix snorts.

Robbie waves a hand in the twink's face.

“I’m such a fucking asshole,” he repeats.

“You didn't know—” Robbie comforts.

“No—but fuck!”

“You fucked?” Phoenix sneers.

“Shut up.” Robbie cuts him with a glare.

“No!” Brendon tries to sop up the mess he’s spilling. “Nothing like that happened. I just woke up in his bed while he was in the shower.” He starts the hike again.

“Matthew is fine.” Robbie smoothes. “It's been 10 years—We’re celebrating his birthday on Friday too.”

“His husband died on his birthday?” Eli’s voice cracks.

“A couple of days before, but yes.” Robbie corrects.

Brendon wants to sink into the lake and stay there.

“I’ve got to go get the cake tomorrow. Dennis ordered one at Billie’s country store. Meagan is an incredible baker.”

“I’m going with you.” Brendon jumps at the opportunity to get away from the cabin. “Is there a place I can get him a gift?”

“Sure.” Robbie grins. “There are antique shops and flea markets along the way. We can check them.”

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