Page 56 of Deep Waters
I shuddered. “If we’re calling Gran the cavalry, we’re in trouble.”
A grin split Drew’s usually somber features. “She bring Thumper?”
I scowled. “She did.”
Drew tapped the rim of his mug to mine. “That woman is a legend. I hope she never changes.”
“Just wait until she makes you promise to let her name your firstborn.”
His low chuckle sounded almost like a purr. “So. It’s like that, is it?”
I swirled the dark brew in my cup before taking a long swig. “It’s like that.”
It felt good to stake my claim, even obliquely. Right, somehow. But telling Drew and telling Rae were worlds apart. I was only being lower-case “b” brave telling Drew. Sharing my feelings with Rae would be the true test.
The bell over the door rang, announcing a new arrival. Casually, I glanced up, expecting to tip my chin at a local. Not anticipating the man who burst through the door, another man at his side.
A man I’d recognize anywhere. Even after ten years. Simon. He’d lost the roundness of youth, sleeking out and building muscle over the years. Clean-shaven and handsome, he looked the part of the Air Force hotshot.
Every muscle in my body tensed. It was irrational to think, even for a second, that he was here to reclaim Rae. Because A, he couldn’t damn well have her, and B, he was apparently a very married man. It took me a minute to register the slender forty-something beside him. Close-cropped hair hinted that Simon’s new husband might also have a military background.
Simon spread his arms wide, his grin just as broad. “Zach Fenwick! It’s so good to see you! How long has it been? What? Five years since my last visit, or is it four?”
I gritted my teeth. Smug bastard.
“Something like that,” I bit out.
“Have you seen our Sun-Rae? I stopped bySailor Swiftearlier, but no one seemed to be aboard.”
I ground my teeth together. Forcing a smile that probably looked fake as fuck. “She and I have been staying at Jia’s place to watch the kids.”
Simon rocked back on his heels, shoving his hands in his back pockets. He shook his head. “That girl’s a treasure. I’m glad she’s helping Jia out.” He gripped his husband’s hand, exchanging a sweet glance with the other man before turning back to me and Drew. “This is my husband, Alan.”
I dipped my chin. “Nice to meet you, Alan. Congratulations to you both.”
“Thanks,” the other man said shyly.
My eyes narrowed. “What brings you to Friday Harbor?” I asked Simon.
He shrugged, avoiding my gaze. “You know. I haven’t been home in years.” His smile turned sheepish. “It’s probably past time I introduced my folks to Alan.”
It was one thing to make Rae an accomplice when he lied to his parents. But I felt a flash of pity for his new husband. The poor man hadn’t even warranted a mention to his husband’s parents prior to the wedding? It was hard to fathom. Then again, I wasn't a gay man trying to navigate a military career.
“Yeah.”
My retort was short. It was difficult to remember we’d been friends now that I knew how he’d taken advantage of Rae. Preying on her good nature. She’d lost years while Simon was gallivanting around, obviously hooking up with Alan on the sly. The injustice of it all burned. Didn’t matter that Rae had agreed to the ruse. She was too loyal by half. He didn’t deserve her.
“I wish you hadn’t involved Rae in your farce of a fake relationship.”
Simon stiffened. “How about you let Rae worry about Rae? She got something out of the deal. Ask her about it.” Something about his snide tone had me leaping to my feet.
She might have agreed to it, might have even thought it was smart. But it still burned that she hadn’t trusted me. That neither of them had.
“I worry about Rae now.” I tapped my chest, puffing up. “I protect her. If I had any idea what kind of bullshit you were pulling behind her back, I’d have had shit to say before now. Believe you me.”
Even as I said it, I knew I was in the wrong. Rae could defend herself. And Simon hadn’t had it easy. But I hated knowing I’d been on the outside, nursing feelings I couldn’t act on. Like I couldn’t be trusted.
Drew stood at my shoulder with a restraining hand on my elbow. “Calm down, Zach.”
