Page 88 of Burn It Down

Sloan claps me on the shoulder as we approach. “Jacob! How’ve ya been?” Sloan is always smiling. Often considered the class clown, he went through some shit a couple years ago that kept all the bodyguards on high alert. Tim didn’t tell me the details though, because that’s not his place, but whatever it was, Sloan seems to have come out on the other side of it stronger than ever.

“I’ve been good,” I reply to Sloan. “Better than good, actually.” I can’t help but swing my gaze to Dylan as I say it. Perhaps I’m laying it on a little thick, but here, I can claim him as mine with no threats hanging over my head and I plan to take full advantage.

Sloan extends his hand to Dylan. In the glow of the firelight, I see Dylan bite his bottom lip. At first, I think the move is driven by lust, but the light from the nearby flames dances in his blue eyes and is showcasing the buildup of tears about to spill onto his cheeks.

“Nice to meet you, Dylan.”

Dylan clears his throat and swipes at his eyes with his left hand, managing to find his words. “Man, you’re all I listen to. You have no idea how much you’ve helped me over the years.”

At that moment, the man I know to be Luke — although I’ve never met him personally — slides an arm around Sloan’s waist and kisses his cheek.

“Another drink, babe?”

“Yes, please. Get Jen’s too?”

Luke laughs. “I served her first. Our queen is well tended.”

Sloan’s smile is a reflection of pure joy as Luke walks back toward the cooler and Dylan speaks again.

“I just want you to know that when you came out, it helped me so much. I was in a terrible relationship just because I was desperate for a man’s attention. I didn’t think to look outside the box or go after what I truly wanted. But then, not only did you come out, but you took a totally unconventional route and justowned it.It made me realize if there are people out there who can make that work, surely, I could do better too.”

Sloan’s eyes flit to me then back to Dylan before he pulls Dylan to him in an embrace I know Dylan will remember for the rest of his life.

“Looks like you found it,” Sloan says when they pull apart. “I’m happy for you both.”

“Well,itfoundme,” Dylan chokes on a sob he’s trying to turn into a laugh. “But there are some pretty high odds stacked against us. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know that I’d have the courage to try.”

I didn’t know all of that.

I tug at the neck of my t-shirt. “Fuck. It sounds like I owe you a huge thank you, Sloan.”

“Nah, you don’t owe me shit, brother. It’s just nice to know my story has helped someone, you know?” he throws an arm over Dylan’s shoulder “Come hang out. Meet the rest of the guys. Can I get you a drink?”

A familiar buzz vibrates against my leg.

“You guys go on ahead, I’ll be right there. I’ll have whatever Dylan has.” They wander closer to the firelight and I fade further into the shadows, pulling my phone from my pocket, praying it’s Cora, Knox, Hudson, or Phoenix.

No dice.

Steve 8:49pm

Why is Cora at the symphony on the arm of another man tonight?

The symphony? She’s supposed to be at the philanthropy panel in the U.K. I’m not sure what she’s doing at the symphony, but I don’t want to blow her cover, get her in trouble, or share the news about our breakup just yet. The night is too perfect.

Jake 8:51pm

You’d have to ask her.

Steve 8:50pm

Where are you?

Jake 8:50pm

Not home.

Steve 8:52pm

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