Page 135 of The Manny

“You’re reading too much into things. Crispin just isn’t… good enough for you.”

“Well, I disagree.”

I shook my head, jealousy clawing at me. “Then do what you want tonight. I don’t even know why you bothered telling me.”

“I didn’t feel right about not mentioning where I’d be.”

I gave a fake smile. “Thanks for filling me in on who you’ll be fucking tonight.”

“It’s not like that, Jack.”

I clenched my jaw but didn’t say anything. Of course it was like that. Was I supposed to believe Crispin and him played scrabble when they were together?

“Without Mia here, I’ll have nothing to do.” He watched me. “I guess I’m not like you, Jack. I get lonely. I don’t feel happier alone.”

“Then go. Spend the night with your buddy Crispin.”

“Why is it so hard to talk to you?”

I ignored him.

He sighed. “Fine. If you’re going to give me the silent treatment, I might as well take off. Have a good night, Jack.”

“You bet.”

He left me, and I braced myself against the wave of resentment, jealousy, and regret that swept over me. I gripped my beer bottle so hard, I was surprised it didn’t splinter. I knew that if I asked him to stay, he’d stay. I could bring him in my bed, and we could fuck until the night turned into morning. But then what? Thomas would eventually need more, and I didn’t know how to do that part.

I’d look on the bright side. Tonight, I had my house all to myself. No Mia and no Thomas. Just me and my empty home, like in the good old days. I stood and went inside to grab something else to drink. The house was dead silent and I knew that Thomas had already gone. A perplexing sense of loneliness settled on me, and I headed for the liquor cabinet. Beer alone wasn’t going to be enough to dull the ache in my chest tonight.

****

A few more weeks passed with Thomas avoiding me, and me avoiding him. If Mia noticed anything, she didn’t comment on it. Every Sunday Thomas left the house, presumably to spend his day with Crispin.

One Friday night Mia was invited to another sleepover at Percy’s house. This time Thomas was diligent about making sure I gave my permission. By the time I got home, it was dark. I’d gone to Brannigan’s with the guys, but hadn’t had the desire to stay past a few beers. I’d assumed Thomas would be gone to Crispin’s by the time I got home, so I was surprised to find him sitting in the living room, reading.

He glanced up when I entered the home, and my stomach flip-flopped at the smile he gave me. He hadn’t smiled at me like that in a long time. What had changed?

“I made chicken soup. Want me to heat some up for you?” he asked.

Frowning, I said, “I can do it.”

“I know, but I don’t mind.” He set his book aside. “Go change. I’ll get the food ready.”

I hesitated. “Okay.” I left him, confused about why he was being so nice. Did he want something? Maybe a raise or an extra day off? I took a quick shower and changed into sweats and a soft cotton T-shirt. As I walked into the kitchen, the fragrant scent of the soup filled my nostrils: Rosemary, garlic, oregano, all those aromatic spices made my mouth water.

“Sit.” Thomas directed.

I did as instructed, feeling self-conscious when he sat across from me. I scooped the soup into my mouth, annoyed when my hand trembled. Why hadn’t he gone to Crispin’s already? Why was he sitting with me?

I swallowed my mouthful of soup. “It’s good,” I said stiffly.

“I’m glad.”

I took a few more bites, but then I set the spoon down and met his gaze. “Did Crispin have plans tonight or something?”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

I shrugged. “I assumed you’d go over to his place since you have the night off.”

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