Page 57 of Addicted

“Likewise,” Finn nodded, his eyes following Liam out the door. Owen heard Liam head for the stairs instead of his office but didn’t question it. He probably wanted to give them some privacy and not eavesdrop through the thin walls.

“So…” Owen crossed his arms, looking at Finn.

“So…” Finn mimicked him and they stared each other down. As usual, Owen broke first.

“I don’t hear from you for a week and you just randomly show up? What happened? Didn’t you get any of my texts?”

“I did. Sorry. I’ve been…busy with work.” Finn glanced at the ceiling, which was his tell that he was being squirrelly. “But I know that the hearing is a few days away so I wanted to stop by and talk.”

Owen squinted. “Work kept you busy? Are you sure?”

Finn still wouldn’t look him in the eye, studying his fingernails instead. “What do you mean?”

“I’m thinking maybesomeonekept you busy.”

“We’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you,” Finn stated matter-of-factly, letting Owen know that he was right. “How are you feeling about court?”

Owen allowed Finn the misdirection, pushing some papers aside so he could lean against his desk. “I think it hasn’t fully hit me yet.”

“Have you heard the results of…you know.” Finn gestured vaguely, moving to Owen’s desk and leaning beside him.

“Not yet. Freddy said they’re claiming there’s some kind of problem and they need extra time to process but we all know that’s a lie.”

“You think Nathan paid them off so they could align the big reveal with the custody hearing?”

“Yes,” Owen sighed, running a hand through his hair. This conversation was making the whole thing hit a little harder now. Owen was glad. He wanted to vent some of his emotion before he had to be in the room with Sharon, before he got any news. It would make his poker face easier to maintain.

“She must be seething that she couldn’t do thisonyour birthday.”

“Thank Freddy. He hassled the judge about that. But it’s still two days before.” Owen sighed again, hoping that he’d turn thirty-four with his son by his side.

“Sharon’sWorst Person in the Worldstatus still holds. Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

Owen shook his head. “This is something I have to do myself.”

Finn crossed his arms again. “I get it. But if you change your mind, even that morning, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

“How about you stay by the phone and treat me to buffalo chicken pizza and some beers to either celebrate or commiserate?”

“Got it.” Finn bumped his shoulder. “And stay positive. It’ll be celebrate.”

“I hope so. I really do.”

“So…you and Liam are finally a thing now?” Finn began to fiddle with some contracts on Owen’s desk.

“Yes, we’ve had some progress.”

“What kind of progress?” The question should have been accompanied by a wink but Finn seemed guarded, serious.

“We haven’t slept together yet if that’s what you’re asking. He’s giving me some space to figure out my situation with Michael and we’ll take it from there.”

“Okay.” Finn’s demeanor was off. He was hiding something.

“Okay? And?” Owen prompted him with his own shoulder nudge.

Finn pressed his lips together. “And nothing. I was just curious.”

“You act like I haven’t known you for fifteen years,” Owen pushed. “Say what you want to say.”

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