Page 72 of Comforting the Grump

The sheriff’s office was only a short walk, and when I entered the station, Waylon was manning the reception. “Hey, Marnin.”

“Deputy. Is the boss in?”

He nodded. “You know the way.”

I sure did. Auden’s office was neat as a pin, as usual, and he sat behind his desk, a deep frown on his forehead as he studiedwhatever was on his screen. When he looked up and saw me, his face broke open in a wide smile. “Thank fuck you’re here.”

I snorted. “That’s not a common reaction when people see me.”

“I was dying of boredom trying to write this report, so your timing is excellent, as always.”

He crossed the room and pulled me into a bear hug. I stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, allowing myself to hug him back. This was Auden. My friend. My rock.

“Good to see you too, you old coot,” I mumbled into his shoulder, the familiar banter coming easily despite my inner turmoil.

Auden pulled back, his hands on my shoulders as he studied my face. “Everything all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I barked out a laugh that sounded hollow even to my own ears. “Not a ghost. Just…can we sit? I need to talk to you about something.”

Concern flickered across Auden’s face, but he nodded, gesturing to the worn leather couch in the corner of his office. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

As we settled on the couch, I found myself at a loss for words. How could I explain the storm of emotions raging inside me? The way Ennio’s smile made my heart skip a beat, or how his touch sent electricity coursing through my veins?

“It’s about Ennio,” I finally managed. “I… Christ, Auden, I think I’m in trouble here.” I ran a hand through my hair, frustration and confusion bubbling inside me. “I can’t stop thinking about him. Every little thing he does… It’s like I’m seeing him for the first time, you know? And I have all these feelings inside me that I don’t even recognize, this soft and mushy stuff. I’ve never felt like this, and I don’t know what to do.”

“I gotta admit I was shocked when you claimed him at the party yesterday.”

Claimed him? Was that how he saw it? But I’d…

Come to think of it, he wasn’t wrong, was he? Ihadclaimed Ennio, had announced to everyone we were together. “It felt right,” I said weakly.

Auden leaned back, a knowing look in his eyes. “There’s a sentence I’ve never heard you utter before, Mr. I Don’t Do Feelings.”

“Tell me about it. I don’t even recognize myself. Today, we were just walking down Main Street, and I… I took his hand.” I let out a shaky breath. “I took his goddamn hand like a teenager, Auden. And it felt so right. Like our hands were meant to fit together, and I swear, I can’t believe the words coming out of my mouth.”

My friend nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I always knew that when you fell, you’d fall hard. Looks like that time has finally come.”

“Fall?”

“You’ve fallen in love with Ennio, my friend.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Love? Was that what this was? “I can’t be,” I protested weakly. “I don’t… I’ve never…”

“Never been in love before?” Auden finished for me. “I know, but you sure as fuck are now.”

I closed my eyes, memories of Ennio flooding my mind. His laughter, his kindness, the way he looked at me like I was something precious. I swallowed as I opened my eyes again. “Are you… Are you okay with this? With him and me?”

Auden never hesitated but took my hand and pressed it. “I am now.”

“Because you think I’ve fallen for him?”

“Because I can see you care for him…and that you’re changing. You may not recognize yourself, but I see glimpses of the boy I knew, that tender, caring, big heart underneath all your masks and defensive layers. He’s good for you…and you’re good for him. I’ve never seen him as happy as he was yesterday with you by his side. My best friend and my little brother.” He had to swallow. “It isn’t what I expected, but fuck if it isn’t the best thing ever.”

“What if I mess this up?” I whispered, voicing my deepest fear. “What if I hurt him?”

Auden’s hand came to rest on my shoulder, a comforting weight. “Love always comes with risks, but from what I’ve seen, you and Ennio… You’ve got something special. Don’t let fear hold you back from happiness.”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “How do I…? What do I do now?”

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