Bab 32: Chapter 32

The finality of it.

“I’m sorry, Vassilios, you’re right.” My voice shook. “You’re so fucking right.”

“I don’t care about the other guy. You know I’m just reaching for something here, trying to get a reaction out of you.” He rubbed his hair back. “I—I don’t give a shit about that guy, actually. I was hoping it’d get you to talk.”

“Vassily,” I said, using the name his friends and family did, believing I could earn the right to use it, too, if he let me. If he gave me that chance. “I don’t want to lose you.” And I meant those words. “Please, forgive me.”

“You can read me your books. I ain’t stupid. You can show me the things you like. You can tell me what you’re thinking.”

“Yes, okay. Yes.”

“Just let me in a little.”

I leaned in close to him, pressing my forehead to his. “Yes…okay.”

Our kiss was just like the first—but then, in some ways, it actually was our first real one.

2

I looked around my desk for my cup of coffee. The coffee was cold and bitter, but I drank it anyway.