The Right One - Felice Stevens Page 0,16
and it’s been flagged in the system. The security guards have his picture and know not to let him on the grounds.”
“Okay, good, but for God’s sake, Morgan, tell your parents. You don’t want them unwittingly playing into Jeffrey’s hands.”
“I will, I promise.” Talking to Sean had settled him a bit, but he still felt nauseated and terrified. “I’m sorry to bother you.”
“It’s no bother. Chris and I are both concerned for you. Otherwise, is everything going well? We have to get together soon.”
“Yeah, it’s fine. It’s still weird getting used to being by myself and in this apartment, but I can deal with it.” He found he liked the little neighborhood—in a ten-block radius, he’d already discovered an Italian bakery and a tiny Mexican restaurant with street tacos that outshined any place in the city. Plus, they were cheap as hell. That morning, on the floor outside his apartment, he’d found menus for an Indian place as well as one for a Thai restaurant. Even though there was a sign in front of the building—NO MENUS, NO SOLICITATION—the delivery people still left them behind. There was even a little home-goods store that sold knickknacks he could decorate the apartment with. One day he’d feel like this was home.
“Any interesting people? Have you started thinking about dating?”
“Dating? No. Not at all. As for interesting people?” For a split second he thought of Leo and how damn good his arms felt locking Morgan tight to his chest, but dating him? That was a disaster waiting to happen. “Not really.”
“Well, that’ll come in time, I’m sure.” Clearly disappointed with his answer, Sean, as always, tried to put a positive spin on things. “One day the right one will come along, and you probably won’t even realize it.”
“Yeah, sure,” Morgan responded brightly, not believing a word his friend said. “But for now I’m happy, or I will be as soon as I get rid of Jeffrey.”
“Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of that. Let me see what I can do, and I’ll get back to you later with an update.”
“Thanks. And say hi to Chris for me.”
“Will do. Call your parents now.”
“I promise.”
Morgan flipped his phone in his hands several times before hitting that button.
“Morgan? What’s wrong?”
Wincing at his mother’s worried voice, Morgan chewed his lip. “Nothing. I-I just needed to tell you something. Something that’s going to probably upset you.”
“You’re not sick, are you? Or Jeffrey? You’re both okay, right?”
“No, I’m fine.” He tasted blood and stopped mangling his mouth. “It’s just…I’ve been keeping something from you because I was embarrassed and ashamed, but…I know I have to tell you.” He could tell them about the divorce without mentioning the abuse.
“Morgan, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong? No matter what it is, we love you.”
“Uh, well…Jeffrey and I…we’re…we’re divorced. For about a year. I didn’t want to tell you. I thought it was a big fail on my part, and I know how much you loved him, but—”
“Morgan. Stop.”
He pressed his lips together. “Sorry.”
“Our main concern is you. Not Jeffrey. You’re our child.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Of course we’re not happy that the marriage didn’t last. Do you want to talk about it? Did you try couples therapy or counseling?”
The one time he’d made the suggestion to see a marriage therapist, Jeffrey backhanded him and split his lip. “Therapy is for weaklings.”
“Not really. The marriage didn’t work out, and I felt it was best to leave. I’ve been seeing a therapist since.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know you loved him. But at least you can make a fresh start.”
His eyes stung, and he blinked. “Thanks. I’m sorry I disappointed you.” He blinked again and sniffed. An acrid smell hit his nose just as the smoke detector went off. “Shit. My cookies. Mom, I have to go. Something’s burning. Love you, bye.”
He rushed out of his bedroom alcove to a haze of smoke hanging over the living room and kitchen. The alarm beeped continuously, and coughing, Morgan waved his hands to clear the air as he made his way to the stove, where black smoke puffed out. He turned off the oven and opened the door to a fresh wave that sent him choking.
“Oh God,” he sputtered and rushed to open the windows. He stuck his head out to gulp the fresh air. He heard pounding on the door, and dragging a breath in, he ran to the door and flung it open to an outraged Leo. A haze filled the hallway, and the smoke alarm in the