Page 83 of Sapphire Spring

“No, no, no. That was someone else.”

Naser’s face felt hot. He was scanning the tiny bathroom foran escape hatch.

“Was he friends with Bleachers Guy?” Connor whispered.

“Yes, he was.”

“Is he still?” Connor asked.

“It’s complicated,” Naser muttered.

“Does he know what Bleachers Guy did?”

“Okay, look. I’m sorry I lied to you. But Mason is turningover a new leaf. He’s getting sober. He’s trying to make up for who he’s beenin the past, and apparently…Ian…duh,thisis all part of that, I guess.”

“Soisthisdating?”Connor asked.

“I don’t know, okay? And as soon as I do, I will tell youwhat it is, and if I know what I’m doing. But until then… Rest assured. Idon’tknow what I’m doing. I’m just going with it.”

Connor sighed. “Well, if this has any sort of relationshippotential at all, you should only have to do one thing, andthat’sbeyourself. And I say this with love,Nas.”He placed one hand over his heart to emphasize the point. “That is not alwaysyour strong suit.”

“Seriously?”

“With love,Nas. And yes,seriously. You’re the most important person in my life next to Logan, and youdeserve someone who accepts you exactly as you are. And I’m not exaggeratingwhen I say I will lose sleep tonight over the prospect that you might gettreated less than you deserve by this guy just because he represents somethingcomplicated out of your past. A guy who might use that over you in ways heshouldn’t.”

“He’s treating me like a prince. I barely know how to dealwith it.”

“You’re buying him Persian food, which is a sign you’regetting serious.”

“Blondie, look. I’m sorry, but I just wanted a beat tofigure all this out before I told you about it.”

Connor nodded, but his eyes were moist. “Don’t keep secretsfrom me just because I’m getting married. Logan is the love of my life, but youwillalwaysbe my best friend. I’m sorry I invaded your privacy, but Igot afraid.”

“Of what?”

Connor’s rounded chin quivered. “That you forgot howimportant you are to me.”

“Oh, Blondie.” Naser hugged him, hard. “It’s not that atall. Don’t worry. But I’m a big boy now, and youhave totrust me about some things.”

“True, but when you and I team up, we’re an even bigger boy.We’re almost six feet tall.”

For a while, they hugged.

“Just ask, size queen,” Naser finally whispered.

“Okay,” Connor whispered, “how big is it?”

“I’m going to need a lot of Imodium. And maybe a bottle ofwine.”

“God bless usevery one,” Connorwhispered, then patted Naser on the back.

When the two of them stepped out of the bathroom, Mason wasgiving Logan a tour of the living room and explaining the renovations with alot of hand gestures.

“All right, babe,” Connor barked. “Time to go.”

Logan shook Mason’s hand, then hurriedly set his drink downon the island as he rushed to join Connor.

“It was nice to meet you, Mason,” Connor said.

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