Page 102 of Addicted

“Let me get all the paperwork together and your first day will be next week. Does that sound good?”

“That’s perfect.” Finn tilted his head. “Will Marci be okay with this?”

“You two seem to be getting along better and I’ll talk to her about it. More hands on deck means less stress for her but please, don’t antagonize her.”

“Yes, sir.” Finn gave him a salute. “Seriously, though. Thank you, Opie. You’re a lifesaver. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” Owen nodded encouragingly. “Is there anything else you want to talk about? I mean-”

“How’s your little crow?” Finn interrupted, and Owen took the invitation to change the subject, always on board to talk about the love of his life. True to their first date conversation, Owen and Liam had worn matching Halloween costumes, giving out candy to trick-or-treaters dressed as a scarecrow who couldn’t quite scare away his bird. Finn had laughed about their outfits for days, taking a ton of photos - one of which was displayed proudly on Owen’s desk - and dubbing Liam as LittleCrow.

“He’s doing well. Really well. He’s finishing rehab soon and he’s starting to fill out college applications. He’s even hanging out with a friend from high school today. I’m so proud of him, he’s come so far.” Owen stopped before he misted up again.

“I’m proud of him too.” Finn knocked Owen’s shoulder with his own. “I know how things started but he’s changed my mind a thousand times over, especially after he gave you that talking to in the ER.”

“Wait,” Owen pulled back, feeling his cheeks flush. “You heard that?”

“I think everyone in the hospital did.”

“Oh my god.” Owen put his face in his hands.

“No, it’s a good thing. Sharon would never have cared that much. She wouldn’t have even shown up. She’d let you run yourself into the ground without a second thought; in fact, that’s what she did with the divorce. But Liam didn’t let it slide. He loves you and he proved it, at least to me. I dunno, Opie, it seems like you got yourself a power bottom.”

“Finn.”Owen didn’t think he could be more embarrassed.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop before you burst into flames.” Finn grinned, sitting back. “But I will say this. I’m not only proud of Liam, I’m proud of you too.”

“Me? Why?” Owen looked up, meeting Finn’s eyes.

“You have to ask? You spent the last year going through hell, losing everything, but you rallied, kept up hope, didn’t take out your pain on others, cared about everyone around you, and rebuilt your life. I know it wasn’t the life you wanted or expected but it took a lot of strength to heal and to be brave enough to love. You’ve been working just as hard, especially over these last few months.” Finn looked away a bit bashful. “I admire that.”

“Finn…” Owen whispered. Hearing those words from his best friend, his brother, struck Owen right in the heart. It bolstered him and gave him even more motivation to continue down the path he’d already laid out. “Thank you. You know…I think I’m finally facing the fact that Michael is gone. For now, at least. I don’t know when or if I’ll ever hear from him again, and you know what? I’m going to be okay. I’m learning how to properly ease the pain instead of avoiding it by overworking and focusing on anyone else but myself. It’s my job to keep going. I need to be a whole person in case he comes back to me but I’m not going to live from that hope either. I’m just going to live. I’m going to love Michael. I’m going to love Liam. I’m going to work here. And I’m going to be happy.”

“I like that.” Finn bumped his shoulder again. “I like that a lot. Plus, you just hired someawesomenew staff so your workdays are going to be super fun from now on.“ He tugged on an invisible collar, his expression beyond smug; however, there was still a hint of heaviness in his gaze.

“They absolutely will.” Owen pursed his lips, wondering if he should press but when did Finn ever hold back? “And are yousurethere isn’t anything else you want to talk about?”

Finn sighed. “I need to get another friend who can’t read me so well.”

“Nope. I’m your only friend.” Owen turned, resting his back against the arm of the sofa, facing Finn.

“Sad, but true.” Finn rubbed his hands together, fidgeting again. He opened his mouth, closed it, and took a long slow breath. If he was quiet for this long then it must be serious and Owen sat up a little straighter, thinking he was prepared for whatever Finn was about to say but he truly wasn’t.

“Owen, how did you know you were gay?”

“What?” Owen blinked. “Why are you asking?”

Wiping a hand down his face, Finn sighed. “Because you were right. I met someone. And I think I might be bisexual.”

Having a blast! Ollie made me an Instagram and somehow linked me so I have a thousand followers already???? Ohmigod. We went shopping and got food and now we’re going to see a movie. I’ll text you when we get out. Love you x x

Owen smiled at Liam’s text, which had popped up during the long discussion with Finn. There was also a picture below it, of Liam in some dressing room wearing shiny blue pants and a black shirt with lots of buckles and buttons. His face looked pained but there was a flush in his cheeks and a brightness in his eyes that said Liam had spent the better part of the day laughing.

I look ridiculously sexy right? Or just ridiculous,sat underneath the photo.

I don’t think it’s a causal-tee,Owen sent back with a chuckle, knowing that Liam had his phone off while in the theater, so he’d be greeted by that zinger as soon as the movie was over.

Exhaling, Owen rubbed his eyes. After the deep dive with Finn and several trips downstairs to check in with the bride and groom he was more than ready to call it a night. With a start, he realized that he’d forgotten to turn his desk phone on and cringed at the number of voicemails he’d have to return tomorrow. Flipping the switch, he figured he’d answer whatever he could while he prepared to go home and, of course, it rang immediately.

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