Page 55 of Embers Glow After the Fire

Jamie and Nathan both hum and nod in unison.

Matthew shakes his head. The caffeine might help clear his foggy stupor but his belly cringes at the mere mention of sustenance. That punch to his gut has left his side tender. His rib is probably bruised, if not cracked.

Footsteps patter up the stairs. Phoenix hugs his glittery pink luggage against his belly. His outfit is subdued this morning. A simple pair of linen shorts and a floral camp-shirt, almost buttoned up modestly.

Perry holds a mug in the air without needing to ask.

“Thank you.” Phoenix leans against the back of the sofa and sips the precious brew cradled with both hands.

Eli isn’t far behind, dropping his bag onto the sofa and taking a lean next to his holiday playmate. He turns down coffee and folds his arms across his chest. His auburn hair has bright brassy streaks now and his pale skin is cooked everywhere the sunlight could reach.

“Should I go check on Brendon?” Robbie cracks the tension.

“I’m okay.” Brendon chimes, descending the staircase with bare feet, his suitcase in one hand and soiled sneakers dangling from the other.

Robbie spins off the stool and trots across the room, throwing his arms around Brendon and kissing his cheek.

“Morning babe.” He inspects him for broken bits he might piece back together for him.

Brendon wraps around him and lays his chin against Robbie’s head. His bloodshot eyes meet Matthew’s and his brow gently wrinkles as he looks at the floor. He sets his suitcase next to Perry’s alongside the pool table and follow Robbie’s lead to the island..

“Did you sleep?” Robbie mothers.

“Not really.” Brendon looks shattered.

“Coffee?” Perry offers the best thing he has available.

“Please?” Brendon forces a smile.

Matthew passes the mug from Perry’s hand. Their fingers brush.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.” Matthew is happy for any exchange between them.

Perry pushes the slider open and steps out onto the patio, taking a seat at the table.

Jamie, Nathan, Phoenix and Eli follow.

Robbie squeezes Brendon again and gathers his coffee before joining the party.

Dennis pops a water bottle cap and abandons his task, leaving Matthew and Brendon alone in the kitchen.

“Are you okay?” Matthew resists taking him into his arms.

“I will be—are you?” Brendon steps forward and hovers a hand over Matthew’s bruised and swollen jaw. His face is wrecked with guilt.

Matthew leans against his palm and closes his eyes. He breathes deep through the ache in his side that dissipates with the warmth of Brendon’s soft touch.

“I’m fine.” He opens to Brendon’s watery gaze and steps forward, wrenching him against his chest. He’d absorb his pain if he could.

Brendon’s austere frame melts and his long arms strap Matthew’s torso. The world falls away for a moment.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers.

“Don’t.” Matthew brackets his face. He hooks his neck and pulls their foreheads together. “We’re good—You’re good. It’s over.”

Brendon’s arms dangle at his sides.

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