Ry collapsed on Alex, spent and sated.After a moment, he ran fingers up and down Alex’s arms and chest, grabbing a few tissues to clean up the fluids.
Alex’s eyes followed every movement, his breathing now slow and steady.
“Shower?”Ry asked.
Alex shook his head, then Ry slowly removed Alex from himself and lay beside the larger man.“You’re gross.”
“You’re gross.”Alex chuckled.“I’m too tired.”
“Same.”Ry reached for Alex’s palm and held it, rubbing circles.With his other hand, he cleaned himself up enough not to leave another stain and tossed the tissues in the can near the bed.
He burrowed nearer, burying his face in Alex’s thick chest.
“Love you, goober,” Ry said.
“Love you, babe.”And Alex adjusted his arm, wrapping it around Ry, pulling him closer, and then tossed a sheet over them both.
In moments, Ry fell asleep in the arms of the man he’d loved for years, experiencing perfect happiness.As he drifted into the darkness of sleep, he was convinced that they would become famous, believing their music and their love would change the world.
CHAPTER 11: PRESENT
Fluorescent light spilled down the hallway, and Ry followed the red-patterned carpet to his room.He hummed and twirled his phone in his hands.The show tonight had been so damn good.Always good to end a tour on a high note.
Arend’s hotel door stood ajar.Voices, kept low, came from the room.
“—rehab and pretends it’s a career.”
“—Ry.”It sounded like Lon speaking.
“—bring you down—no, no, trust me.”
He edged closer to the opening, holding his breath.
“—seems different,” Lon said.
Arend said, “—think of it as damage control then.”
Shuffling fabric alerted Ry.He slipped into his room, his blood hammering in his ears.A soft click outside.Lon shook his head, but otherwise went to his room.
His skin itched, and his muscles burned.More than anything, he wanted to talk to Lon.Instead, he tore himself from the entryway and sat on the bed.He shifted his shoulders, loosening his neck, and tried to recapture his earlier mood.Alex had been slinging puns during the pre-show, calling himself “clef-er” for it.Ry’s lips twitched.
What had Lon and Arend been talking about?
The hallway stood empty.Ry looked around, patting his pocket for his room key before letting the door close behind him.Why am I sneaking around?
Standing taller, he knocked on Lon’s door.His friend opened the door, wearing pin-striped slacks with a matching vest, and a tank-top featuring a skull.
“Heya Ry,” Lon said, rocking back and forth on his heels.“Come in, what’s up?”
Ry walked in and sat on the chair Lon waved toward.“Slick outfit.”
“Thanks.”Lon gave a twirl.“Going out soon.Feeling fancy after the last couple shows.Man, we were good.”
Ry agreed.“Still celebrate the end of a tour the same way?”
Lon grinned, tipping an imaginary cowboy hat.“That’s right, partner.You wanna come with?”
If he wanted to know Arend’s scheme, he needed to go.Directly asking his friend would expose him.
