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“So glad to hear that.” Marcus sounded relieved. “I heard about his affairs while I was visiting Clover.”
“Is it cool if I crash at your place until I find one of my own?” The gravity of the situation finally hit him, and his throat burned as a lump formed.
“Oh, sweetie. You sound like shit. When will you be here?”
“In about an hour.” Brooklyn wiped his eyes. As hard as he’d tried to stay numb, talking to Marcus was more than he could handle. His mind raced with different thoughts and emotions, overwhelming him with a mixture of anger, sadness, and heartbreak.
“Okay, I’ll make sure there’s a bottle of wine waiting for you when you arrive.” Marcus’s tone was gentle and soothing.
Brooklyn breathed a sigh of relief. Marcus always knew how to make him feel better. “Thanks, Marcus. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Always, my dear. Always.” Marcus hung up, and Brooklyn drove on, the lights of Ridgeway growing brighter on the horizon. He was a little apprehensive about starting over in a new place, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Blaine had hurt him deeply, but Brooklyn refused to let that define him.
When he finally arrived at Marcus’s house, he was exhausted. His friend met him at the door with a hug, and Brooklyn’s eyes fill with tears. It felt so good to be embraced by someone who cared about him. Marcus led him to the couch and handed him a glass of wine.
“You need to rest, Brooklyn. It’s been a long journey for you,” Marcus said, placing a warm hand on his friend’s knee. “I’m not just talking about your trip here, either. Do you want to talk about it?”
Brooklyn nodded, taking a sip of the wine. The rich, velvety taste seemed to calm him, and he began to relax as he recounted his relationship with Blaine. He told Marcus about the good times and the bad, about how he had ignored all the signs of Blaine’s infidelity until he couldn’t take it anymore.
As he spoke, the floodgates opened, and he cried harder than he had in years. But Marcus was there for him, holding him close and offering words of comfort.
When he finally stopped crying, Brooklyn was drained but also relieved. It felt good to have someone to confide in, someone who understood what he had been through. He leaned back against the couch and sighed.
“Thank you,” he said, looking at Marcus. “I don’t know how to repay you for this.”
Marcus smiled as he draped an arm over Brooklyn’s shoulders. “You know I’m here for you, right?”
Brooklyn leaned into his friend’s embrace. “Forever in your debt.”
“I’m just glad you’re here,’ Marcus said. “You’re always welcome in my home, Brooklyn.”
Brooklyn smiled, feeling the weight of Blaine’s betrayal lift off his shoulders. He knew it wouldn’t be easy starting over, but he had no other choice.
“I know,” he said. “And I’m grateful for it.”
“Get some rest.” Marcus showed him the guest bedroom.
Brooklyn slept soundly that night, the warmth of Marcus’s home lulling him into a deep slumber. When he woke up the next morning, he felt a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in years.
He took a deep breath and stretched his limbs. It was a new day, and Brooklyn felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
He got up and headed to the kitchen, where Marcus was already making breakfast. The smell of coffee and bacon filled the air, and Brooklyn’s stomach growled in response.
“Morning,” Marcus said, turning to greet him with a smile. “How did you sleep?”
“Great.” Brooklyn poured himself a cup of coffee. “Thanks for letting me crash here.”
“Anytime, hon.” Marcus handed him a plate of bacon and eggs. “You look better this morning. I’m glad you’re feeling more like yourself.”
So was Brooklyn. He hated being all weepy and hated even more that he’d shed tears over Blaine. The guy didn’t deserve them.
“I was thinking, since you’re a man who is newly free, we should hit a club tonight.”
When was the last time he’d gone out to party? “I could definitely go for a night out.”
“Great.” Marcus took a seat opposite him at the table, with his own helping of food. “Let’s take it easy today and have some fun tonight. Then, tomorrow, the fresh start can begin.”
Chapter Two
