22. Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ryan
J esus Fucking Christ.
He’s clueless.
Which is something I kind of love about him, but…
Yeah, Simeon’s na?veté endeared him to me. He clearly hadn’t dealt with a lot of guys over the years. Without an iota of a doubt, he obviously hadn’t had a clue that Quinton had been openly flirting. At first, I thought maybe Simeon was just being polite. Or even playing coy.
Pretty soon, though, his obliviousness had become clear.
As I maneuvered him through the throng of people—many of whom I had yet to meet, a guy backed up and I accidentally jostled him. “Sorry.”
Because that’s what Canadians said.
He turned and offered me a wide smile. “No worries. Uh, I’m Cadence.” High cheekbones cut with glass, stunning eyes, and raven-black shaggy hair. Slender, but in a good way. In other words—the guy could have been a model.
“I’m Ryan. This is Simeon.”
Cadence nodded. “I’ve referred clients to Simeon before. Amazing work, how are you doing?”
Simeon ducked his head a little. “Always a-appreciate the business.”
“Oh, you might not know—I’m a realtor.” He gave me a grin.
I had a moment of déjà-vu. “I’ve seen you before.”
He cocked his head. “I don’t remember meeting you. And I have to say I’m good with faces and names. Kind of have to be in my business.”
I continued to stare—knowing I was staring, but unable to look away. “I’m certain…”
“Maybe in one of my ads in the newspaper? Or on a bus stop?”
“I don’t take the bus.”
“True…but you might’ve spotted my face when you were stopped at a light. I try to get my name out as much as I can. I aim to be the top realtor in Cedar Valley by the time I’m thirty.”
“You’ll m-make it.” Simeon offered a gentle smile. “You’re a n-nice guy to boot.”
Cadence grinned. “I’ll take that compliment.”
And a memory solidified. This had been the guy I’d seen kissing my physiotherapist Marcus Branigan in his office. And while Cadence was clearly comfortable with himself—and what I perceived to be his potential queerness—Marcus certainly wasn’t. Pinning down specifics on either of those two facts would be challenging…except I’d lived both in and out of the closet and found I could relate to both. And spot those characteristics within other people. I waved my hand as if swatting away a fly. “My mistake. Yeah, probably an ad.” Because I sure as shit wasn’t going to out either Cadence or Marcus.
Or both.
“If you ever need a realtor… Here let me get you a card.”
Simeon laughed. “Yesterday a l-lawyer offered me a card. Is that a thing?”
“You saw Everett yesterday?”
My friend tilted his head. “Is he the only l-lawyer in town?”
Cadence guffawed. “Uh, no. Assumption on my part.”
Grinning, Simeon said, “I m-met Arnav yesterday.”
“Another excellent attorney. There are several I deal with when completing real estate transactions. Can’t go wrong with either of those gentlemen.” He’d yanked out his wallet while he spoke and now offered me a business card.
I snagged it and shoved it into my back pocket.
And couldn’t help noticing how skinny his skinny jeans were. Practically painted on him.
He smiled, clearly having caught me looking. “I used to be a dancer. I still work out a lot to keep in shape. Although not, admittedly, as vigorously as I used to.”
“Ah. I’m in physiotherapy right now—trying to rebuild my strength after an accident.” Okay, that was just shitty. It slipped out…but was still shitty.
His grin didn’t waver. “We have several great physiotherapists in town. I’m certain you’re in good hands.” He pointed to my eggnog. “I think I need a coffee. I’ve had a long day, and I don’t know how long this party’s going to last.” He nodded toward Simeon. “Great to see you again.”
“And y-you.”
Then he nodded toward me. “If you’re ever looking for a house…”
I didn’t snicker. Nearly did, but managed to hold it in. “Not likely.”
“Well, circumstances might change.” Another charming grin. “See you later.”
“Ryan!” Angus’s voice cut through the confusion in my mind. I spun to find him holding up his controller.
A younger boy stood next to him.
“H-hello Oliver.” Simeon waved.
“Hey.” The boy grinned. “Angus says you don’t know how to play.”
Simeon arched an eyebrow and appeared to consider.
Angus nudged him.
My friend grinned.
The four of us sat on a pile of cushions in the corner. The boys were each on Simeon’s side as they explained the game to him.
Sitting on the floor would make it tough for me to get up, but I figured I could ask Simeon for help. I didn’t like doing that, but better to get help than risk causing further damage.
I did this. I played the game and nothing bad happened. Now Simeon’s playing the game and nothing bad is going to happen.
Inordinately proud of myself, I leaned back to watch with amusement. I couldn’t see the screen, but judging by Oliver’s facial expressions, Simeon’s coordination wasn’t helping him. I was trying to figure out if an ability to measure something within a millimeter would be helpful playing a video game when someone crouched beside me.
I shifted my gaze to a guy I’d seen earlier, but hadn’t paid much attention to, who was now approaching. Not that I determined people’s suitability as friends based on their marital status or anything. But the way this guy was clearly in love with his wife, Marnie, had me giving the couple a bit of space. I didn’t need to meet everyone on the first day.
He held out his hand. “Jake McGrath.”
“Ryan.” I returned the shake. I didn’t figure my last name was important. Or, just as possibly, he might recognize it.
“Do you mind if I…” He gestured to the floor.
I grinned. “Pull up a pillow—we welcome everyone.”
Simeon glanced up at my words.
The video game beeped.
Oliver sighed. “You have to focus.”
Angus nodded sympathetically. “You want to try again?”
Simeon held my gaze for a long moment. He glanced at Jake, nodded, then cast me one final look before smiling at Oliver. “Yeah, I’ll t-try again.”
Both boys nodded their clear approval. They had a captive audience and planned to make the most of it.
“They look like they’re having fun.”
I pulled my gaze away from Simeon and settled it on Jake. “Yeah, I think they are. Simeon’s a virgin.”
Jake’s eyebrows shot up.
“Oh, I meant a video game virgin.”
Simeon chuckled.
Okay, so he can hear us.
Since I had few secrets, I wasn’t worried. I was, however, intensely curious. “How can I help you, Jake?”
He hesitated. Now he’d actually planted his butt, he seemed less certain. “Do you…do you recognize me?”
Lord, what a question. Kind of arrogant, but maybe he was someone famous and, about this and most things in life, I was clueless. “I’m sorry, I don’t. But…I’ve been out of the country for a couple years. Before that…” I floundered. “I didn’t get around much.”
That doesn’t sound too pathetic?
Right?
No, it does.
Jake smiled. His bright-blue eyes lit, but also carried a trace of wariness. Or was that weariness? He rubbed his face.
“You okay?”
He blinked. “Baby at home. I didn’t sleep well last night. Marnie’s just amazing, but sometimes she needs a break.”
I cocked my head. “I didn’t realize Marnie had a baby at home. She works at the library, right?” I knew she did, but I didn’t want to make it seem like I was too interested. In his wife or anyone else.
“Yeah. She’s gone back part time. She loves Nate, but sometimes needs to get out of the house. The library is her happy place.”
“That’s evident. She found me a series of books, and I’m loving them.”
“You should tell her. Things like that…” He appeared to consider. “Our family gives her meaning, so I don’t want you to think that’s not the case. But she’s got a strong connection to books. Sharing her love of reading brings her intense joy.”
“Then I’ll be certain to tell her.” I arched an eyebrow. “So tell me why you thought I might recognize you.”
“I’m a reporter.”
Involuntarily, I shifted back. Only to hit a wall of pillows.
He held up his hands. “Don’t panic.”
“Right. That’s what everyone says to the guy who’s about to panic. Let me assure you—it doesn’t work.”
He winced. “Sorry. That was callous of me. And I know better. I’m speaking to you off the record. If that wasn’t obvious, then let me say it now. Just the two of us. Having a discussion.”
“Is this about my father? Because I’ll never say…”
“I don’t know who your father is.” Jake’s brow knit. “I mean if you tell me his name, I might recognize it. I’m from Toronto. I’ve only been on the west coast for a couple of years. I do report in Vancouver, although I know people from Mission City as well.”
“He’s in Vancouver.” I uttered the words, trying to keep the contempt from my voice.
Slowly, he nodded. “Okay. Well, I’m not sure that’s relevant anyway. I just…I used to be a war correspondent.”
My mind raced. I couldn’t place the guy, but that wasn’t surprising. I’d never watched the news before Russia invaded Ukraine and a couple of gaming buddies started talking about it.
And my life changed forever.
Then the penny dropped. “You know I was in Ukraine.”
His gaze moved up for a moment before returning to me. “I didn’t know specifically, no. But Simeon and Marnie seemed privy to information and…I might’ve put two and two together.”
“Because you can see I’m injured.” That hurt. I didn’t remember specifically telling Marnie about overseas, but I might’ve said something. Probably had said something. She’d been…skittish…the first time I’d met her. No, not skittish. Protective. I’d needed her to see I wasn’t a threat. Mentioning I was recovering from an injury had clearly put her at ease. I’d wondered how she worked in a library while being wary of men, but that so wasn’t my place to ask. “What is it you want?” I didn’t add the bite—but that was only because of an inordinate amount of self-control. Self-control learned after two years on the front lines.
He shifted. “Canadians are detached from the war. We’ve sent munitions, but we haven’t sent troops.”
“I know.” Duh .
“Well, I’m suggesting that maybe we should introduce people to what it’s really like. What the money is being spent on. Why winning is so critical.” He eyed me. “Ukraine has slipped from the headlines—and that’s wrong. Other conflicts, issues at home…but democracy is on the line and I don’t think enough people realize that.”
“I’m not the person to explain it to them.” I pressed a hand to my chest. “Look, I can see you’re a standup guy. I suspect Marnie’s discerning.”
Jake chuckled. “You have no idea.”
Okay, so there’s a story there.
Maybe another time.
“No one is interested in my story.”
He shook his head. “Did you realize you made the news when you were medevacked out of Kyiv?”
My eyes widened. “What?”
“Ah.” He winced. “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn. Or that I might be jeopardizing your recovery.”
“How do you know it was me?”
“Well…I don’t. But I’m putting pieces together—and maybe they don’t fit…but I suspect they do.” He scratched his scruff.
I tried not to think how much it resembled Simeon’s. Although Simeon’s was lighter. Then I tried not to think about how sexy I found my friend. I glanced over to find him still engrossed in the game.
“What do you know?” I turned back to Jake.
“That a young Canadian man was injured on the battlefield in Toretsk. That he nearly died, but was medevacked out of the country and, against all odds, survived until he got to Toronto. He was treated at an undisclosed location, and then…” He made a fist and then let it go dramatically. “Gone.”
Despite myself, I chuckled.
“You wanted the scoop?”
“My network did. As did all the others. I’d heard through the grapevine that the guy, whoever he was, had a powerful family. Ones who spent a great deal of time and money to keep their son’s name out of the news.”
Again, I chuckled. But completely devoid of humor.
“Look…” He glanced over to where Marnie stood. She was laughing at something Quinton just said.
Inwardly, I growled. I didn’t want the guy near Simeon. Still, I refocused on Jake. “You were saying…?”
“My wife’s story was all over the news. Unfortunate, but the truth.”
I blinked. “I have no idea who she is.”
“Which is the way she’d prefer it stay. I’m only sharing this with you to say she comes from a well-known family. Well, her father’s powerful. She stayed hidden for a very long time.”
After a moment, I wagged my finger at him “You. You found her.”
He winced. “Not my best moment. I had my reasons, which I won’t go into. And she helped me in a way no one else could…for which I’ll always be grateful. I’m just…” He rubbed his face. “I’m not sure what I’m trying to say. Except that you may still be discovered.”
I snorted. “Look, Jake, I’m not hiding.” Much . “I don’t tell people what happened to me because it’s a clusterfuck—”
Simeon cleared his throat.
My gaze shot to his.
Neither Angus nor Oliver appeared to have heard.
And the game beeped again.
Oliver patted Simeon’s shoulder. “Again?”
Simeon grinned. “Yeah, a-again.” He held my gaze for a moment later.
Whether he intended it or not, I read support. Hard for me to remain annoyed at him.
After a moment, I returned my gaze to Jake.
“Cluster,” he prompted.
Laughter burst forth from me—unexpected and bringing with it relief. I smiled ruefully. “Look, I don’t think coming forward will make a difference. I’m…building a life for myself here. Away from the glare of the spotlight that follows my father everywhere.”
“Tough way to grow up.”
Does he know? Who I am? Or is he making a general comment? “I wasn’t deprived.”
“Being rich can be as bad as being poor.” He cocked his head. “But that’s a leap on my part.”
“That I’m rich or my dad’s a shi—” I winced. “—crappy parent.”
“Both.” He bobbed his head. “Well, not the rich part. Serious money went into keeping your identity secret.”
“But money can’t forever hold that secret, can it?” I held his gaze, unblinking.
“I will never reveal I know who you are. Neither will Marnie, or anyone else I can think of. They’re respectful. Small towns can be like that.”
“But big city folk infiltrate, and then all bets are off.” I held his gaze.
He poked his cheek out with his tongue. Then, after a long moment, spoke. “I didn’t intend to reveal her. A coworker hacked my computer. So yeah, my fault. But also not something I would’ve ever done.”
I believed him. Against all odds…I believed him.
“What are you proposing?” Because I’ve completely lost my fucking mind for even considering this.
“A sit-down interview? Is there footage of you in Ukraine?”
I wrinkled my nose in distaste. “Possibly some home stuff? I kept far away from cameras. I might’ve been na?ve and stupid and reckless—but I still understood the ramifications for Canada if I was discovered on the battlefield. Russia was seriously pissed when they heard about me.”
“You weren’t the only one.”
“Nah. But I would’ve been the highest profile.”
“Ah.”
I eyed him. “You really think this would make a difference?”
“Honestly? Yes, I do.”
“I’m not a hero.”
“And I wouldn’t show you as one. Just a guy doing what he thought was right in the face of tremendous headwinds. A guy who did something greater than himself.”
“You’re assuming I thought I’d come back. You have no idea.” I scoffed that.
Simeon’s head popped up.
The video game beeped.
Jake gazed back and forth between the two of us. “Oh.”
“Let me think about it?”
“Yeah, of course.” He offered his hand. “Simeon knows how to reach me.”
Which was several leaps more than I was able to process.
But at least the guy didn’t hand me a business card.