sat at the table and leaned back, legs spread. “I know, I know. But I was thinking that maybe you and I could go talk to him together. I know Singer is giving you shit right now, but he’s just trying to feel you out a bit. This first project is a test—if you do well, then he’ll hire you for future ones, bigger ones.”
John rolled his eyes as he sat on the end of the bed and leaned forward on his knees, rubbing at his face. He couldn’t focus on what Dave was saying; all he could think about was tracking down Lukas and finding out why he ran. Was it because he said he loved John? Sure, he’d been surprised, but as he’d lain awake after Lukas fell asleep, he’d realized that Lukas had been trying to tell him that all week in his own way—he’d been in love with John for years, and John hadn’t seen it.
His own feelings may not be there yet, but he wanted the chance to get there. To learn to love Lukas as completely and selflessly as Lukas loved him.
It was bullshit that Lukas had left without saying goodbye or without giving John a chance to try and explain what he was feeling.
“John?”
He looked up at Dave without raising his head. “Yeah?”
“You okay? You haven’t said anything for a few minutes…” Dave sat forward, mirroring John’s position and placing his forearms on his knees.
He shook his head. “Sorry, just still tired, I guess. Listen, Singer works out of Detroit, and I’m not interested in driving two hours to a jobsite every morning—and I’m definitely not interest in moving. I like my life how it is. I don’t need to work on his big projects and make a bunch of money.”
Sighing, Dave sat up a little straighter. “Are you sure? This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you, John. There’s no guarantee something like this could come around again. You may end up spending the rest of your life fixing leaky faucets and backed-up toilets.”
John stared at the floor between his bare feet and hid his smile, thinking about the night he’d helped Lukas with his broken pipe. “I’m okay with that. I don’t need anything more than that. I’m not like you.”
It was true. Dave had started out doing single-family home repairs, and now his company built apartment complexes in most of the largest cities in the state. Dave hadn’t been satisfied with less; he’d always strived for more.
“If you’re sure…” Dave looked at him like he was crazy, but when John nodded, Dave slapped his hands on his knees and stood. “Okay. I just thought I’d offer to help. But if it’s not what you want, then I’ll respect that.”
John followed him to the door, but Dave stopped right before he opened it.
“Lydia and I are heading out in a few. What time are you leaving? Will you be home in time to swing by for dinner tonight?”
He almost accepted out of habit but caught himself just in time. “I’m gonna pack up and head out soon too, but I can’t make dinner tonight, sorry. I’ve got to meet someone.”
Dave swung the door open and threw John a knowing grin. “Oh, someone special? Should I tell Lydia to expect you to start bringing a plus-one?”
John pretended to shove Dave out the door and smiled at his laughter as he watched his friend walk down the path back toward his own cabin. He was right though. John had met someone special.
Now he just had to find him again.
The drive home seemed to take John forever, but it gave him a lot of time to plan his next step. After Dave left, he started throwing his things into his bags and found the note in his bathroom. Maybe he understood a little better why Lukas bailed, but he was still annoyed.
John,
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put pressure on you. I’ll always remember this week and how you made me feel. I hope you don’t regret anything that happened between us.
Lukas
How could Lukas possibly think John might regret what happened between them? John had thought he was showing Lukas with every touch and kiss how much Lukas meant to him, but maybe Lukas had seen the time differently? Did he regret their time together?
No. There was no way Lukas regretted it. Lukas loved him.
No, what had happened was Lukas had panicked, John was sure of it. He hadn’t meant to tell John how