Page 85 of Addicted

“A friend that has been there for me at every other time. You’re allowed a day off, Finn. Besides, I survived.” Owen took in a deep breath, trying to clear the angst from his lungs, and picked up one of the boxes. Finn did the same.

”Iamsorry, though. About everything. You shouldn’t have to go through this. I wish I was some savvy billionaire with too much time on my hands and expensive gadgets so I could track down Michael and bring him back.”

“If you were a billionaire then Sharon would’ve set her eyes on you instead of me.” Owen punched in the code to the garage, watching the door as it rose.

“Ew. Hard pass.” Finn’s voice dripped with distaste and he wrinkled his nose. Tailing Owen through the house, they both stopped at the door to Michael’s room. “Are you sure about this? We could clear out some of the garage.”

Owen cracked his neck, steeling his shoulders. “I’m sure. I don’t want Liam’s things, his parents’ things, in the garage. Plus…” he placed the box down at his feet, touching the doorknob with the tips of his fingers. “I’m going to have to face the fact that I may never see him again. I have to move on with my life. I’m coming up on a year without him, Finn. A year. And I don’t even know if he’s okay.”

Suddenly, Owen was engulfed in a bear hug and he blinked in shock. Before Finn could pull away, Owen hugged him back, a quick squeeze to let Finn know he got it. He understood everything Finn was trying to say but couldn’t. And it was all right.

“He’s okay,” Finn pulled away, clapping his hands against Owen’s biceps. “I know he is. Sharon is a lot of things but she isn’t violent. At worst, she’s ignoring him.”

The doorbell rang. In sync, their heads turned toward the living room.

“You expecting anyone?” Finn asked, leaning out so he could see the picture window from the hallway. Owen did the same, his jaw dropping.

“Oh my god.” He turned to Finn with wide eyes. “It’s John.”

“So not only are you fucking one of the staff, you’re shacking up with him?” John made himself comfortable on Owen’s sofa, putting his shoe-clad feet on the coffee table. Finn, who was still shuttling boxes to and from the van, stopped and stared at John’s back with an incredulous expression. Owen looked at his friend and slightly shook his head. Other people weren’t used to John’s lack of tact but, after everything Owen had been through, this was trivial. Finn frowned but continued unloading, disappearing out the garage door.

“You’re a ray of sunshine as usual, John.” Owen shot back but felt he should maintain some form of hospitality. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Naw, don’t worry about it, Parker. I won’t be here long. My girl’s waiting for me in the car.” He adjusted his suit jacket, which was a bright shade of green that reflected off the shiny rings that littered his fingers. Sitting in Owen’s tranquil living room with its white walls, he looked like a cartoon character.

“So, what brings you here? Unannounced.” Owen sat opposite him, not nervous, just wary. He knew he couldn’t be fired; his employment contract was airtight but this had something to do with Liam. John’s greeting left no doubt.

“I was going to stop by The Pointe but it’s your weekend and I got a plane to catch. My girl has never been to Milan, can you believe it?” John studied his fingernails then flicked his eyes up to Owen.

“There’s always cell phones,” Owen pointed out.

John huffed a laugh. “I thought about that but you know what? I like surprises.” He cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing through the room.

Finn passed by with fresh boxes, rolling his eyes, and Owen had to rely on his poker face to keep his expression steady.

“I heard about Liam.” Suddenly, John was serious, leaning forward with clasped hands and an intense gaze. It was a strange expression on him. Owen didn’t want to ask how John had found out. Although only Marci and Finn knew the details, The Pointe was gossip central and he was sure some version of the truth had made it to John’s ears. “I don’t know exactly what’s wrong with him but that’s your business. I’m glad you found someone again, Parker. Divorce sucks, that’s why I never did it. I just keep my girl on the side, you know?”

“Okay...” Owen didn’t have anything to say to that, hoping that John would get to the point.

“I know you had to take some time off.” It was true, Owen had used the last of his personal days to get Liam through withdrawal and into rehab but had returned to the office, where Marci ran interference for him when he needed to drive Liam home. As always, she was a gem. They’d started having lunches together where the topic was mostly Liam. She was beyond relieved that Liam was healing and promised to visit once he was past the first fragile weeks of recovery. “And I know that Liam has been a no-show for a while now. Tell him he can take as much time as he needs. He’s been with us for years and I’ll hold his job for him.”

Owen blinked. John wasn’t usually this nice or magnanimous. “Thank you, John. I’ll let him know.” Owen had another thought. “Would I be able to keep him on as my office assistant? I believe he liked that better than serving.”

“Are you gonna fuck him in the office?” John deadpanned. Finn stumbled behind him, trying not to drop the box he was carrying.

“Of course not!” Owen coughed, trying not to think about what he and Liam had done on the office couch only a month ago. “I maintain the highest level of professionalism-”

“I’m kidding, Parker, I’m kidding. It’s funny making you squirm.” John let out a deep booming laugh. His phone chimed and he pulled it out of his inner pocket, glancing at it. “My girl’s about to pop her cork if I don’t get a move on. Women, right? Maybe I should be gay, it would be a lot less headache.”

“I don’t really think it works that way, John.”

“Yeah, I guess not.” John stood, brushing off the sleeves of his suit. “Lemme ask you, is Liam in some kind of special care?”

“…yes?” Owen was wary again.

“Does the health insurance cover it?”

“Not all of it, no.” Owen didn’t know what he was getting at.

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