Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
NOAH
I see them the moment they enter. Ethan moves through the restaurant like a hunter in a room full of prey, stealthy, and utterly aware of his surroundings. His husband Leo walks beside him, softer but no less striking, his hand resting lightly on Ethan's arm as our eyes meet across the room.
Recognition flares between us and it’s not friendly, but not hostile, just an acknowledgement of our presence.
We know what we both represent since our first little meeting at the clubhouse.
Ethan's expression doesn't change, but something shifts in his posture.
He says something to Leo, then they begin moving toward our table.
"Noah?" Chase's voice pulls my attention. "That's Leo, the artist who did the piece in our foyer."
"I know. They're coming over."
Chase turns, and his face lights up with genuine pleasure when he sees Leo. "Leo! What a coincidence."
Leo smiles warmly. "Chase, hey. I didn't expect to see you here."
"We're just having dinner." Chase stands, shaking Leo's hand, then Ethan's, introducing himself. "Hi I’m Chase, I gather you know Noah.”
“Indeed,” Ethan says before looking at me. We don’t shake hands as we don’t need to pretend.
"How's the piece working in your space?" Leo asks Chase, his enthusiasm genuine.
"I’m in love with it," Chase says. "It's exactly what we needed. The way it captures the light, it's stunning."
"I'm glad you're happy with it." Leo glances at me, then back to Chase. "If you ever want to commission another piece, just let me know."
"I will. Thank you."
There's a moment of silence that’s like a ticking bomb. Ethan and I are watching each other with the kind of stillness that comes from recognizing a threat. Not to each other. To anyone who might underestimate us, one of us alone in the room is enough, but two of us are nuclear.
"We should let you finish your dinner," Ethan says finally, his hand finding Leo's lower back. "Enjoy your evening."
"You too," Chase says.
Ethan nods at me before they turn to leave as he guides Leo toward their own table on the opposite side of the restaurant.
Chase sits back down, watching them go. "That was weird, did you two fight or something?"
“No.”
Chase looks at me and his eyes widen as he finally picks up on who Ethan is.
“He’s just like you, isn’t he? Ethan?”
“I wondered if you would detect it.”
“He’s good at hiding it. Wow.”
“I don’t think that will last for long.”
“I’m not even gonna ask how you know that. But, back to our previous conversation. When are you going to see Marcus to tell him we’re leaving? And maybe you should tell Dima?”
"I’ll send an email. You can tell Tyler.”
“You can’t email them, Noah.”
“Yes, I can.”
I signal for the check, my hand still gripping his hand across the table. When we stand to leave, my hand finds the small of his back, guiding him through the restaurant. We pass Ethan and Leo's table, and Ethan glances up.
Our eyes meet one final time, followed by a nod of mutual respect. An unspoken understanding.
And then we’re gone.