Page 30 of Carver’s Craving

Yeah…but would I have if he’d stuck around? I’d been so mired in the mess—the funeral, sorting Frank’s shit, dealing with his family, losing the record contract…it had all just become too much. Although I hadn’t physically walked away, I really had emotionally. Just checked right the fuck out.

You need to move forward.

Not only was I holding up the john, but Carver was waiting. Along with two men who couldn’t have been more different—and yet were perfect together. The kind of couple who gave me hope that maybe, someday, even for a fuck-up like me…

I splashed cold water on my face, then headed back to the table.

The dishes had been cleared and all three men hugged their coffee mugs.

Instead of getting up so I could slide to the wall, Carver merely shifted over.

Leaving me sitting across from Finn. Whose megawatt smile could light a city.

Since my coffee had been refilled, I added a couple of creamers. Then I glanced around the table.

Everyone was looking at me.

“Uh…what?” Oh shit…was I gone too long?

Finn tapped his phone. “We watched part of a music video. Damn, Styx. You’re fucking amazing.”

Ulysses nodded and Carver arched an eyebrow as if to say, yes, and you better own it.

“Thanks. We formed the band when we were, like, thirteen years old. Which, now that I say that out loud, makes me realize that was ten years ago.”

“Ah, so you’re a young one.” Ulysses chuckled. “I keep pointing out to Finn that I’m robbing the cradle.”

“As I would be if I were with Styx. But I’m not.” Carver didn’t look at me.

Just a little too quick pushing out that second sentence. Sheesh, you’d think dating me was the worst thing in the world.

Finn nudged Ulysses. “But you overcame your scruples and fell in love with me.”

“Yep.” The older man gazed at his husband with true love in his eyes. “No regrets here, that’s for sure.”

I blinked. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen that kind of love. Certainly not between Baxter and Arlene. Or my parents. Hell, or even between Barry and Jenny. Nope…even I could see how special this was. Will I ever find this? Do I want this? I’m not sure I ever did, but now… I tried to catch Carver’s gaze, but he didn’t look at me.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything else?” Sarabeth stood at the end of the booth with a coffee pot.

All four of us put our hands over our mugs. Then we all laughed.

“I think we’re going to order milkshakes to go.” Carver cut me a look.

Which I interpreted as encouragement. “Yeah. I’m debating between black licorice and unicorn.”

“Oh Lord.” Ulysses rolled his eyes.

I cocked my head.

“A debate Finn and I have had before. I’d recommend the unicorn. Although it’s super sweet.”

“I’m going to have the black cherry.” Carver smiled. Not the unreserved grin I’d spotted previously—but still a nice smile.

“Unicorn. I’ll have to come back for the black licorice.” I gave Carver a meaningful look.

That grin grew.

“You know, I think I want one too.” Finn scratched his cheek. “Yep. Espresso.”