Page 107 of Addicted

“Great idea!” Owen exclaimed, assisting Liam as he gathered glasses, a bottle of champagne, and the non-alcoholic sparkling cider they’d picked up. It had been Liam’s idea for the party; he hadn’t seen his co-workers much since he left for rehab and he wanted to fill the condo with joy in honor of his and Owen’s first Christmas together. Owen had readily agreed, amazed at how far Liam had come; the Liam he’d met on his first day at The Pointe was now unrecognizable, replaced by a stunning, sociable man with a quick wit who enjoyed the outdoors and life in general. Owen couldn’t be prouder and he reached into his pocket to touch Liam’s gift, a tremor of excitement ran through him; he was enjoying the festivity but he couldn’t wait to get Liam alone.

After a quick toast to Marci and Isaiah’s happiness, more hugs, and Michael begging Dylan to game with him, Finn joined Owen by the door to the kitchen, shaking his head.

“Your son is ruthless. I thought I was good at video games but he just handed me my ass. Dylan doesn’t know what he’s in for.”

“That’s my boy,” Owen smiled, taking a sip of his beer. Not only had Michael been accepted as a new member of The Pointe’s family but Finn had seamlessly melded with them as well. He’d sparked an entertaining dude friendship with Dylan, which led to Marci nicknaming them Bill and Ted, and he’d also impressed the rest of the staff by doing whatever was needed. He also buzzed with excitement whenever Owen had news about the shuttle bus, which was still being renovated but would be ready for next year’s wedding season.

“Your man throws a good party,” Finn added, nudging Owen with his shoulder.

“Hey, I helped too. It would be even better if I could grill but it’s twenty degrees outside.”

“I’m sure you’ll be throwing the biggest barbecue that you can as soon as it’s above freezing.” Finn smirked, clinking his bottle against Owen’s.

“You don’t know me.” Owen covered up his smile with a long pull from his beer.

“Is John going to make an appearance? You said you were inviting him.” Finn looked at the door with a raised eyebrow.

“I did but he laughed at me and said he wouldn’t spend the holidays with the staff if I paid him. He’s in the Caribbean with his mistress. Or wife. I’m not sure.”

Finn let out a laugh. “That sounds about right.” Then he sobered, leaning closer to Owen, eyes on Liam, who was talking animatedly with Angelo. “Did he really pay for Liam’s rehab?”

“All of it.” Owen was still in shock over John’s generosity. He may be gruff and rude but he was also strangely kind.

“Holy shit.” Finn shook his empty beer. “I’m going to get another. You want one?”

“No, I want to keep a clear head.”

“To give Liam your gift? Good luck with that!” Finn clapped him on the back and Owen shushed him, not wanting the entire room to know. Finn only laughed again and headed into the kitchen as the doorbell rang.

“Ollie!Finally!“ Liam said as he opened the door.

“Sorry Li-Squared, I had a fashion emergency.” Ollie seemed to come up with a hilarious new nickname for Liam every week.

“You couldn’t figure out what to wear?” Liam helped him out of his fluffy black coat and orange scarf, hanging them in the closet by the door.

“Of course. That’s an emergency.” Ollie deadpanned, fluffing his cloud of curly blond hair and adjusting the jacket of his green velvet suit. He wore a crisp white shirt underneath with a red cravat and Owen noticed that there was matching red stitching on his sleeves and down the legs of his pants.

“Opie, do you-” Finn stopped short as he walked out of the kitchen, almost dropping his beer, his eyes going wide as saucers as he looked across the room. “What ishedoing here?”

Ollie seemed to hone in on Finn, whipping his head to the side and staring straight into him. “What is he doing here?” Owen heard him echo.

“Who?” Liam blinked, confused, his brow furrowing as Ollie strode through the living room, gracefully avoiding the other partygoers, who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice what was going on. Reaching Finn, Ollie grabbed him by the arm.

“Kitchen,now.”

Finn glanced back at Owen as he was dragged away and there was fear and a little guilt in his eyes.

“Do they know each other?” Liam asked, appearing at Owen’s side. It all happened so fast that it took Owen’s brain a moment to catch up.

I met someone. And I think I might be bisexual.

“Oh my god.” Shock rippled through Owen as he made the connection. “I think they do.”

LIAM

“Need any help in here?” Owen asked, joining Liam as he closed and started the very full dishwasher.

“I’m about done cleaning up. All the leftover food is wrapped and in the fridge. I just have a few pans to wash. Is Michael all tucked in?” Squeezing soap onto a yellow sponge, Liam started scrubbing the few pots and platters left in the sink.

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