Page 47 of Rescued

Adam nods in agreement. “Same here. Just let me know if anything comes up.”

With the arrangements sorted, we go over the care plans for the animals, making sure every detail is covered. Adam lingers to gather up Iko, but I stop him with a hand on his arm before he can leave.

“I just wanted to, uh, say thanks, Adam.” I hesitate, stumbling over the words.Damn, why does this kind of thing feel so awkward?“And to tell you that, uh… Goddamn it.”

Adam’s grin spreads wider, clearly enjoying my discomfort. I groan inwardly, but Mika jumps in smoothly to save me.

“I think what he’s trying to say, doc, is that we both enjoy your company. You’re welcome back anytime.” Mika’s eyes sparkle with humor, and I can’t help but marvel at how effortless he makes this kind of thing seem.

“Yeah, that. Exactly,” I add, feeling a bit sheepish. To cover it, I pinch Mika’s side, earning myself a smirk as Adam thanks us with a knowing look.

We follow Adam to the spare bedroom and say a quick goodbye to Iko. Watching the little guy’s tail wag as Adam carries him to his car, I can’t help but feel a pang of longing. The pup’s been good company, but it’s for the best. Iko needs proper care while we’re gone.

The door clicks shut behind Adam, and Todd sinks back into the chair, his shoulders slumping like the weight of the world is pressing on them. He glances at me, then quickly away, his jaw working like he’s trying to chew through his own thoughts.

I sit down across from him, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. “You okay, Todd?” I ask, careful not to sound pushy.

He shrugs, his hands gripping the armrests. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Liar.

“Todd,” I say, my tone sharpening just enough to make him look at me. “I’ve known you too long for you to try that crap with me. What’s going on?”

He sighs, dragging a hand through his hair. “It’s nothing, Gabe. Just…stuff. You know.”

Stuff. That’s Todd-speak foreverything I don’t want to talk about but can’t stop thinking about.

“Is it Adam?” I prod gently. His gaze snaps to mine, and the answer is written all over his face before he even opens his mouth.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mutters, his cheeks flushing.

“Bullshit,” I say, leaning back and crossing my arms. “I’ve seen the way you look at him, Todd. And I’ve seen the way he looks at you. You’re both circling each other like nervous pups, but you’ve got to stop letting your past hold you back.”

Todd stiffens, his jaw clenched. “It’s not that simple.”

“Isn’t it?” I press. “You’re scared. I get it. Hell, I’ve been there. But you can’t let what your parents did to you keep you from having a life.”

Todd shakes his head, looking out over the yard instead of at me. “You don’t get it. You’ve always been braver than me. You stood up to your parents. I…” He trails off, his voice cracking.

I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I wasn’t brave, Todd. I was scared out of my mind when they kicked me out. But I had my grandparents to pick up the pieces. You didn’t have anyone, and yet you survived. That’s a hell of a lot braver than you give yourself credit for.”

Todd finally looks at me, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “You don’t know what it was like, Gabe. Every time I stepped out of line, even just a little, they’d beat the ‘sin’ out of me. I remember thinking if I could just be perfect, just be the son they wanted, maybe they’d love me enough to stop.”

I grit my teeth, rage boiling under the surface. I know Todd’s parents were awful, but hearing the words from him, the weight of his pain, makes it hit harder.

“You didn’t deserve that, Todd,” I say firmly. “None of it. You were a kid, just trying to survive. And you did. Hell, you’re one of the strongest people I know.”

Todd lets out a shaky breath. “I’m not strong. If I was, I wouldn’t be so scared of what people would say if they knew. I wouldn’t be so scared of Adam knowing.”

“He already knows, Todd. And he’s still here. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

Todd blinks at me, processing my words. “I’m not like you, Gabe. I can’t just…be out there. It feels like the whole world’s watching, waiting for me to screw up.”

I reach out, squeezing his shoulder. “It’s not about being like me, Todd. It’s about being you, the real you. Adam sees that. He sees past the walls you’ve built, and he still wants you. Don’t let your parents’ poison ruin what you could have.”

His laugh is bitter, harsh. “You think I can just forget all the shit they drilled into my head? That I can stop hearing their voices every time I think about…” He trails off, his eyes flicking away.

“About being happy?” I ask quietly.

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