Page 95 of See My Words

“Oh God, Ry,” he said huskily, sliding his arms around Rylan’s waist. “I’m gonna miss you so fucking much.”

Rylan sighed, melting back against him with a small shiver, and Scott pulled him even closer, nuzzling his nose into Rylan’s hair.

“I didn’t think you were gonna come say good-bye,” Rylan whispered, bringing his arms up to cross them over Scott’s where they were wrapped around his middle. “I didn’t want to leave without—”

He trailed off, and when he didn’t go on, Scott kissed his temple and just held him. They swayed together in silence, listening to the music and watching the throng on the dance floor. Rylan was warm and solid in his arms, and his breaths gusted unsteadily against Scott’s cheek when he turned his face up toward his.

“Our cab will be here in a few minutes to take us to the airport. Scott, I—”

“Hey, listen.” Scott put his lips to Rylan’s ear. “You’re gonna go, and you’re gonna do your thing, Ry. It’ll be great, and you’ll blow everyone the fuck away with your talent.” He gulped, blinking rapidly to hold the tears in. He would not cry and lay a guilt trip on Rylan. Not now.

Still, he had to force the words out through a throat that felt like it was full of broken glass. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever known, Rylan Mahoney, and all I want is for you to be happy. Okay?”

“Scott—”

“No matter what happens, you chase that happiness, baby.” He gave Rylan a little shake. “You hear me? Wherever it takes you, whether it’s back here to Phoenix or—or somewhere else, promise me you’ll grab onto it with both hands and never let it go.”

Rylan turned in his arms and looked up at him, his blue eyes luminous with emotion. Scott cupped his face in his hands, leaning down to kiss him gently. “The best fucking decision I ever made was to stop for you on that road.”

After running the backs of his fingers down Rylan’s cheek one last time, Scott spun around and strode across the dance floor. As he navigated through the crowd, he caught a glimpse of black sparkle and electric pink darting toward the employees-only hallway.

He changed course and chased after her, relieved when Jerry didn’t challenge him.

“Teena,” he called, and Teena stopped running and leaned against the wall, her head down. Scott put his hand on the back of her neck, rubbing it gently. “You aren’t walking him out to the cab?”

She shook her head, the movement jerky. “Nah. We said our good-byes last night.” She took in a shaky breath. “I can’t—I simply can’t watch him get into that car and drive out of my life, Scott.”

Scott gave a mirthless chuckle, his eyes burning. “Same. I just said good-bye to Rylan, and I practically bit a hole in my tongue to keep myself from blubbering all over him.”

Teena smiled at that. “We’re a sorry pair, darlin’, that’s for sure.” She peeped up at him through heavily mascaraed lashes. “You wanna go get some chili-cheese fries with me?”

“Yeah. That sounds like just what we need.” He held his arm out to her gallantly, and she took it, leaning against him. As they started to move off, Teena stopped in her tracks, clutching onto him.

“Did you at least tell him you loved him, Scotty?”

Scott looked down at her, a sudden sense of peace flooding him, making him smile.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure that I did.”

Epilogue

SIX MONTHS LATER

“I’m in desperate need of that psychic woo-woo, man. Shit.”

Scott laughed out loud, the rich sound echoing off the rock. He bounced on the balls of his feet, trying to keep warm as he held the phone to his ear.

“You know you’re welcome to come up here anytime you want, right?”

“I know, Scotty.” Minh’s voice was shaky, almost fretful. “But there’s no time! He’ll be home in three days, and believe me, when you haven’t had sex in six months, there’s a whole lotta prep to be done. My man likes me smooth everywhere, and—”

“Oh my God, stop,” Scott exclaimed, giving a mock shudder even though he knew Minh couldn’t see him. “I don’t need details.”

“Bottom boy problems,” Minh shot back unrepentantly. “And I have them. What kind of friend are you that you won’t listen?”

“The kind of friend I don’t ever want to be,” Scott informed him, and Minh gave a wicked chuckle.

“He’s already told me he’s really hungry for cake, and so I—”