Page 85 of Clean Slade
I narrowed my eyes and lowered my cup.
“What’s wrong with his boyfriend? And why the air quotes?”
“There’s nothing wrong with his boyfriend. But you’d think they’d known each other a lifetime from the way he acts. He would literally walk into a burning building for him and burn down with him.”
“Careful, old man. You’re starting to sound bitter. What’s wrong with walking into fire for the one you love?”
Wyatt rolled his eyes and huffed.
“Love! What’s the big deal about that shit, anyway?”
“I don’t know. It makes you happy.”
“It makes you miserable is what it makes you,” he answered.
“Damn, Wyatt, who the hell broke your heart?”
As long as I’d known him, he’d never given any clues about his personal life or that he ever had someone to go home to.
“No one.” He grimaced and turned his back to refill his coffee.
Why don’t I believe you?
“Don’t you have to go?” He turned around, but his sour face was still on.
I nodded and got up. He clearly was in a mood, and if I wanted to hang out with a grump, I’d rather it be Parker. At least he’d softened a bit since he’d gotten with Hwan.
“And get the truth out of King!”
Wouldn’t I love to do that!
But considering he hadn’t told me about his little midnight trip last week, I doubted he would share anything else with me. He thought I hadn’t noticed. He probably didn’t even know I’d followed him. If only he’d tell me the truth, I could find a way to help him, but it seemed he was allergic to asking for it.
I drove home and found Mac planted in front of the TV, rewatchingTurning Red, and King in the kitchen with two plates of PB&J in front of him.
“Hungry?” I asked.
He sighed and glared at me.
God, what is it with grumpy people today? Is everyone on this island in a mood?
“Mac wouldn’t eat her breakfast, and by the time I’d gotten her to calm down, I’d lost my appetite.”
“Are you okay?” I asked him.
“I think you’re right. There’s something going on with her. She’s never been like this before.”
“I’ll try and talk to her teacher on Monday. See if he’s found out anything yet.”
King took a big breath and his shoulders sagged.
“What if it’s me?”
“What do you mean?”
“With everything that happened, the running and the lying. What if I caused this?”
I pulled a chair next to him and placed my hand on his.
