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“Positive,” I blurt loudly. But the look on Ron’s face has me reevaluating my friendship with Bobby. Have I missed any clues? I couldn’t come up with anything that gave me an inkling that what we had was more than a friendship vibe. I shook my head no.
“Then you should have a talk with Bobby before you travel to Korea to look for Lyric,” Ron says nonchalantly.
“What?” I croak out in shock. “Korea? Why?”
“I don’t know the reasons why Lyric left, Rafe. Dante will give you an envelope with Lyric’s details. But a word of advice.”
“Yes?” The lump in my throat has grown to boulder size.
“Take it slow with him. Lyric isn’t your typical kind of man, the kind you normally deal with here in the States. He comes from a country you are not familiar with at all. The language, the culture, and the glorious food you will be experiencing, everything you will be immersing yourself into, will be completely different than what you know. Think hard about it before you decide to go.”
“Okay.” I blow out a breath, as my heart hitches.
“One more thing about talking to Bobby.”
“What?”
“Think before you speak to him, Rafe. He has a lot of hurt Bobby isn’t showing on the inside.”
“Babe, you need rest before we get on the plane tonight,” Dean says, then looks at me. My eyes are wide with surprise from hearing Dean’s endearment toward Ron, but then they narrow as he continues to look at me, He’s silent but his meaning is clear—it’s time for me to leave. I nod in understanding.
“You’re right,” Ron rasps out to Dean. Then he turns to me. “Rafe, give me a hug and good luck. And remember, look, listen and learn.”
I give Ron a hug, careful not to squeeze too hard, and then he waves me off. As I turn to leave the room, my mind is already shifting to the idea of flying to Korea and what all I need to do before that happens.
I step into the living room where everyone turns my way.
“What did Ron say?” Danny asks as he slathers on a soft pink shade of lip gloss, which instantly reminds me of Lyric.
“Ron never called you out before,” Callum smirks. “It must have been bad.”
“It wasn’t,” I defend.
“Then what did he want?” Connor nudges me in the shoulder. “Fess up.”
“I’m heading to Korea,” I announce, but my eyes shift to Dante, who’s shaking their head. Then I glance at Bobby, who still doesn’t look happy. “Bobby, can I talk to you… Alone?”
“Wow. What a way to hit us in the nuts, dude,” Danny says with a grumble. “I guess we aren’t wanted. Babe, I’m hungry.” He grabs onto his boyfriend’s hand.
“You’re always hungry,” Tobias grins and pulls my friend into his arms.
“How about Chinese?” John suggests.
“Choy’s,” Connor exclaims, drumming the air with imaginary sticks.
“Good choice.” Dom winks at Callum.
“I have to make a call.” Dante steps out into the hallway. “But don’t leave without me.”
“I’ll be right there,” Bobby says before he turns to me. “What?”
I wait until everyone has shuffled out of the condo before I turn my attention to my best friend. “Why are you mad?” I ask, wanting to get to whatever is bothering Bobby first before I go for the big question.
“I’m not. Now tell me what you have to say so I can go eat.”
Damn it. He is pissed. But I still think Ron’s opinion about Bobby’s feelings toward me is wrong.
“Are you mad that I’m leaving to look for Lyric? Or because I’m not hanging out with you during our break?” Then inspiration hits. “Hey! You can come with me to Korea.”
