Chapter 5: Chapter 5

“Here we are,” Parker said, stopping outside

a heavy, solid-looking door. “This is home.”

The inside of the apartment was clean, but

cheaply furnished with mismatched second hand items. Mason made a

determined effort not to stare too obviously at his

surroundings.

“Mom has to work two jobs, and she won’t get

back till later,” Parker said, hobbling to the kitchen. Climbing

the stairs seemed to have made his pain worse.

“I’ll dish up, you go and sit down,” Mason

said, seeing how uncomfortable it was for Parker to remain

standing.

“Thanks, dude.”

“You sure you shouldn’t have seen the coach

or the trainer about your leg?”

“It’s my ass. Nah, I’ll go to bumps and

bruises on Sunday morning. Once I’ve soaked in the tub, I’ll be

okay.”

Mason sighed, knowing this wouldn’t have been

the first time Parker had sustained such injuries.

“Come on, bud, get that food over here.”

“Sorry.” Mason looked in a couple of

cupboards for plates.