David led Ry to his room, and he found he had a lovely view of the ocean.Trees framed the vast expanse, and a rare few clouds dotted the sky.In truth, it was picture-perfect, and he couldn’t help but feel at ease here.He stepped into the room and took off his jacket.
“We serve meals in the cafeteria three times a day, with snacks offered 24/7 should you need something any time of day,” David said.“Breakfast is from 6 to 9, lunch 11 to 2, and dinner from 5 to 9:30.If you have any dietary restrictions not already mentioned, please tell Sandy at the front desk, and she’ll add that to your file.Do you have questions?”
“Uh, no, not at the moment,” Ry said, looking around his room.
“If you do, just pick up the phone and the front desk will help.Tomorrow morning a staff member will meet with you to help you plan and achieve your goals for your stay.”
“Thank you,” Ry said.
David bowed out of the room, closing the door behind him.After a couple of minutes settling in, and finding himself bored and too sober already, he headed down to the cafeteria to get some dinner—at least it was something to do and he might encounter Alex in the public area.
The cafeteria proved to be a good choice.Ry saw a few people he recognized from industry events, but they weren’t close acquaintances.None were celebrities per se, but important people in the business.
Ry grabbed a tray.The buffet looked and smelled wonderful.It reminded Ry of when Brand used to cook.100% homemade food.Nothing microwaveable for the elite here.Ry supposed it made sense with recovery and all.He grabbed a burger, fries, and a salad.He picked up a glass of water.
He took his tray and headed to sit down at a table.Although the place featured several large communal tables in the center of the room, the edges contained tables for one or two.Well, at least he’d be able to sit away from others, not that anyone would talk to him anyway.
He ate his dinner and watched people.After finishing every bite, a feat for him even on a good day, he looked around for a tray return.
There, walking in, was Alexander.He looked exhausted, worn thin, almost as if he were a ghost himself.Ry almost stood and walked over to him, but refrained for now.He didn’t want Alex to know he was here just yet.
Avoiding Alex’s gaze wasn’t hard.Ry tried to slip out of the cafeteria.But fate, apparently, had other plans for him.As he was dropping off his tray, Alex must have noticed him.Before he could take three steps, Alex stood in his way, and Ry had to stop in his tracks to avoid running into a tray full of food.
“Uh—”
“I’m not interested in hearing anything, Orion.”Alex stood like a statue.He looked haunted.“I’m here to heal, so don’t fuck it up.”
Ry’s mouth was dry.“I’m here for the same reason.”
“Well then.”Alex motioned with his tray.Ry stepped out of the way and made his way back to his room.
The only sound that accompanied him on his walk back to his room was the squeak of his footsteps echoing down the hallway.His body thrummed, his hands leaden at his sides, and his heart pounded to the rhythm of his steps.A raw thirst gnawed at him, making him yearn for a single drop of liquor.Equally unavailable, he longed for the dulling peace Xanax offered to subdue his surging anxiety.
His breath hitched in his throat, a cold dread washing over him as he stared at the daunting mountain of recovery ahead.
CHAPTER 6: PAST
Ry leaned on the doorframe of his room, watching Alex read on his bed.He remained there for a few moments, taking in the scene: the sun streaming through the windows, motes of dust floating around Alex in the golden light.Even after two years, Ry’s heart longed to beat in rhythm to Alex’s.His boyfriend took up the entire bed, and still his legs extended beyond the mattress.Even though he didn’t fit, Ry loved seeing him so at peace.
Alex turned to look at him and gave him a big smile.“Hey,” Alex said.“What are you standing there for?”
“Just enjoying the view.”Ry stepped into the room, holding his hands behind his back.He’d bought something for Alex, and he wanted to make the big guy work for it.
Alex looked at him, then squinted against the light.“Ry.I know you’re hiding something.I can see it poking out from behind your back.”
“Who, innocent old me?”Ry tried, blinking for effect.“No idea what you’re talking about.Can’t a guy walk into his own bedroom with his hands clasped behind his back?What’s this world coming to?”
Alex laughed and stood.A wide, irrepressible smile bloomed on Ry's face, his eyes sparkling as Alex loomed above him.There was nothing like being in those massive arms when he needed comforting.Alex took a few steps closer, crowding his space, towering over him.
“No, he can’t,” Alex whispered.“Someone might think he’s up to something.”
“Or, someone is being overly suspicious.”Ry looked up at Alex.“Like you.”
Alex pulled Ry close with one arm.With his other hand, he plucked the package out of Ry’s grip with ease.
“Fine, fine,” Ry said, sighing dramatically.“You caught me.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed in suspicion as he inspected the wrapping.“What’s this for?It’s not my birthday.And it’s not a holiday.”
