“He still has my number, though,” Patrick whispered. “I… I was thinking maybe I should change it.”
“Probably a good idea, just in case he doesn’t get the memo.”
Patrick sipped from his straw, his stare resting blankly on the table.
“I’m sorry.” Brian sighed.
Looking up, Patrick frowned. “For what?”
“For coming down on you so hard about Derek. I’m not yourkeeper.You have a right to make your own choices. It’s just that…” He shook his head.
“What?”
“You… you have aninnocenceabout you, Patrick. And you’re kind, compassionate. Allgoodthings. But there are people in the world who prey on… the sweet and innocent. I’m sure Derek wasn’t doing that, but you don’t know that he wasn’t. You don’t knowhim.People aren’t always who they appear to be.”
Now probably isn’t the time to reveal the porn thing.
“You think I’m naïve?”
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“It doesn’t matter, anyway,” Patrick mumbled. “I’m not going to see him again. And tomorrow, I’ll change my number. Problem solved.”
Brian tapped the edge of his glass, eyes tight with anxiety. “Are you mad at me?”
“Mad?” Patrick smiled small. “No. You’re being a friend, looking out for me. Why would I be mad about that?”
“I really am, you know,” Brian murmured.
“What?”
“Looking out for you. I know firsthand how quickly a person can be tempted to stray. I just don’t want you to make the same mistakes I made.” He smiled weakly. “Maybe if you can learn from my mistakes, then it won’t be in total vain.”
The deep remorse of Brian’s transgression radiated strong in his friend’s eyes.
“I’ll learn,” Patrick whispered. “I won’t make the same mistake.”
The conviction was there in his voice, convincing Brian.
Now… Patrick just needed to convince hisheart.
. . .
Derek slammed the fridge, rattling the contents inside.
“Easy, cowboy.” Lucas entered the kitchen and paused a safe distance away. “What’s eatin’ you, baby?”
“Nothing,” Derek muttered as he twisted the cap off the beer bottle with unnecessary force.
“Uh-huh. Clearly.” Lucas grabbed a beer from the fridge, then leaned against the appliance. “Maybe it isn’t what’s eatin’ you… but what youwishwas eatin’ you?” He waggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Huh?”
Derek scowled and flipped him off and guzzled his beer.
“Okay, okay. So, you’re not in the mood for my charming wit.” He nodded at Derek. “What’s the problem? Why’re you sorankled?”
Derek looked at him dryly.
“Oh. Right. The adorable Patrick.” Lucas tipped the bottle to his lips, downing a couple of swallows. “You still buggin’ because he didn’t show up for the date? It doesn’t mean shit. The boy’s going through some stuff. He’ll figure it out and give you a call.”
