“Rob wasn’t a douchebag,” I protested, to avoid saying the obvious no.
“He was a sugar daddy who knew perfectly well the young men he spoiled and showered with signs of affection would get attached, while he never did.”
“I used to wonder if he was looking for the guy who would make him stop looking. Although, clearly, that wasn’t me.”
“I’m glad he didn’t totally extinguish the romantic in you, even if he did squash you down. I sometimes wondered if Rob was aromantic, myself.” Jamie frowned. “And you’re not distracting me from that disgusting bit of self-doubt. You have a hell of a lot more to offer than your money. Starting with your fat dick and ridiculous cheekbones, and not ending with the fact that you’re kind, and interesting, and generous, and willing to let a cat flash you its asshole and still pet it. Do you really need me to flatter you some more?”
“Please don’t.” I tried to joke, “What would Mike think if he heard you?”
“He’d think my best friend’s putting himself down so he doesn’t have to sac up and risk getting rejected by the guy he’s crushing on.”
I cleared my throat. “Mike’s clearly a smart man.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
“Talk to Shane?” I didn’t like the helpless rise in my tone at the end.
“Uh-huh.” Jamie’s expression softened. “It’s a good sign you feel like you can cry around this guy. You never would’ve around Felix, or Rob, for that matter. Want to tell me what the tears were about?”
I shrugged. “Just the usual. Coming here made me feel like an unwanted kid again. But hey, I found an answer for the venue. I’m donating it to become a shelter for homeless pets. The first dog that pees on Grand-mère’s marble floor gets free kibble for life.”
I’d always loved the way Jamie laughed. Even when things were tough, he’d throw his head back and let loose. “I love it. And you’ve always liked animals. Sounds fitting.” He sobered. “What does your guy think about you giving away a few million dollars to strays when he’s broke?”
“He’s all in favor of it.” I sighed as if annoyed, although I wasn’t. “He’s the guy who put a furry dog and her six brand-new puppies in my spare bedroom. I may have to replace the carpet.”
“I like him already. Damned sure he doesn’t want you for your money, then. You want me to come out there and vet him for you?”
“No!” I softened my voice. “No. I do hope you’ll meet him someday, but… he’s skittish. He’s a traveling man. The last thing I want is for something to scare him into running before I can convince him to stay.”
“Then talk to your dude. And don’t make me wait a week to find out how it went.”
“Will do.”
“Remember, Theo, whatever happens, you’ve got me and Mike, and if you need a shoulder, I’m just a plane flight away.”
“Thanks. I… thank you.”
“Now let me get some sleep, bitch. I’m going to have bags under my eyes, and we have a district manager coming by tomorrow.”
“Get Mike to lend you his concealer,” I teased. Mike was a casual, hairy dude who’d probably never worn make-up in his life.
“I’ll tell him you made fun of me, and you’ll be the one needing concealer.” Jamie pushed to his feet. “G’night, Theo.” The connection went blank.
“Will you really have to replace the carpet?”
I jolted and looked up to find Shane leaning against the doorway like he was super relaxed, except he was clenching and extending his fingers at his sides.
How long were you there?“Nah.” I set Mimsy on the floor despite her complaints, stood, and turned to him. “I put down plenty of tarps.”
“More construction stuff from your Tesla’s trunk?”
“Of course. I never let style get in the way of being useful.”
“Style.” He gave my loose sweats a slow up and down perusal, curling the corner of his lip. “Uh-huh.”
“When it’s not one in the morning, jerkface.” I immediately worried that was too harsh, but it turned his fake-sneer to a grin. “Sorry,” I added. “Did I wake you?” He looked deliciously rumpled, but there were still shadows under his eyes.
“Nah. I was up to check on Foxy and the puppies and heard you out here.”
