Chapter 52: Chapter 52

“Jimmy?” Barry asked the man’s broad back.

“Yes,” Jimmy said quietly. “I just…”

Barry stood and went to his man. “I know.” He laid his hands on Jimmy’s shoulders and began massaging the tense muscles. “You feel you need to be the strong provider. I imagine that was one of the few decent things your dad taught you.”

Jimmy turned around and pulled Barry into a hug. “I’m sorry.”

“There’s no shame in letting someone else help,” Barry said, rubbing circles on the man’s back.

“I know.” Jimmy sighed, his shoulders slumping.

“That’s why I wanted to buy Shadow, it would have—”

“Helped preserve our stubborn macho pride?” Jake finished.

“Something like that,” Barry said, kissing Jimmy’s cheek. “I’m a part of us, and I’m going to help us. Okay?”

Barry felt Jimmy nod.

“Jake?” Barry looked over at his other lover.

“Thank you.”

“Heck, we really must be an us. We’ve just had our first argument,” Barry said, giving Jimmy another squeeze.