Page 133 of Still Bruised
“How can I build any trust if I don’t do as he’s asked? Ihaveto give him space.” Foster chuckled mirthlessly.
“Get creative,” Anton said. “Find ways to see him accidentally on purpose.”
Foster groaned. “I’m the least creative person you’ll ever know.”
“I guess it comes down to how much he matters to you,” Anton said. “If he matters enough, you’ll figure it out.”
“He works six days a week,” Foster said. “He’s almost always at work or at home. How the fuck am I supposed to be creative with that?”
Anton grinned before taking a step back. “Good luck.”
“This feels like a test,” Foster said.
Anton chuckled. “In some ways, I suppose it is.”
“Can you at least offer a hint? You know him best.”
“Are you on Grindr?”
“No.”
“Jude is. Mr. Avoids Relationships loves to fuck around,” Anton said.
“How’s that helpme?”
“I don’t know,” Anton said, grinning. “But it might bug him to log in and see your face there on his favorite app.”
“Ah,”Foster murmured.
“Make sure it’s areallygood picture, too. One he can’t help but look at. And stay online as much as possible, so he sees that you’re there. It’ll eat him alive not to reach out to you.”
“I don’t want to play games with him.”
“You won’t be,” Anton said. “You’re just reminding him you’re there. And all he has to do is reach out.”
“Okay.” Foster smiled. “Thanks, Anton. I know this probably wasn’t easy for you.”
“Fuck him over and you’re a dead man,” Anton said before he turned around and walked away. Before he got too far, he offered one last thought over his shoulder. “I’ll be watching close, so you’d best get it right.”
“No pressure,” Foster yelled to Anton’s retreating back. “I’m only human, you know!”
“You don’t get a third chance, Foster!” Anton yelled from the sidewalk.
Foster walked back inside and wormed his way through the small crowd near the bar. He sat down across from Cary and sighed.
“Glad you’re still in one piece,” Cary yelled over the din.
Foster took a sip of his beer and winced. Warm beer was terrible. He waved down their server and ordered them both another before fishing out his phone. “Are you on Grindr?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I need to set up an account,” Foster said. “Help me?”
“Are we officially over Jude now?” Cary asked.
“Nope. Not even close,” Foster said with a grin.
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