Chapter Two #2
Once he found a spot at a half-empty table on the other side of the room, he grabbed a chair and dug in.
He kept his gaze fixed on his plate, only glancing up on occasion, so he could remain aware of his surroundings.
Even though he’d become an expert at being alert, the gritty truth was that he’d need to get next-level if he was going to be on the streets.
Eli forced himself not to scrape his spoon across the plate to get every last drop of stew and set the utensil down.
He cracked open the bottle, drinking half the water before also making himself stop so he’d have some later if he needed it.
His stomach still growled, and the apple stared back at him as if daring him to take a bite.
He reached for the apple, pausing, his hand hovering over the piece of fruit. Maybe he should save it for later, too. It was unlikely the shelter would be dishing out food three times a day. This could be his breakfast.
“There are some apples left over if you want another one.” Eli jerked up his head, Ryan’s voice startling him.
Ryan smiled. “Sorry. I know I’m loud. I wanted to catch you before you took off.
We’re getting a truckload of more donated fruit tomorrow.
It’s cool that the markets send it over, but a lot of it is on its last legs.
” He shrugged. “So I try to get people to take as much of what we already have when there’s more on the way.
” He wrinkled up his nose. “It’s not like a package of rice, you know?
It has to be eaten right away.” Ryan furrowed his brow. “I’m talking too much, aren’t I?”
Eli shook his head, clearing his throat. “N-no. I appreciate you letting me know. I’ll definitely grab one for later.”
Ryan narrowed his eyes, scraping his teeth over his bottom lip.
Eli swallowed hard. Had he said something wrong?
Man, he’d never questioned himself so much since he’d been on the run.
He used to be pretty social, liked meeting new people, hanging out, and having fun.
Now he didn’t trust a single person. Everyone seemed like a potential threat.
“Hey,” Ryan said. “I know this is legit none of my business, but you seriously stand out here, so it makes me wonder.”
Eli froze. “W-what do you mean?”
Ryan dropped onto a chair across from him.
“No, you’ve got me wrong. I’m only saying you don’t seem very street savvy, and you know…
” He shrugged again. “I’ve been doing this for a while, and I can usually tell when someone is new to the streets versus someone who's been around.” Ryan leaned forward slightly.
“You still have that look. You know, like you're waiting for someone to come pick you up.”
Eli’s throat tightened. The observation hit too close to home, that fantasy he kept having where his old life would somehow magically reappear. “I’m just... between places right now.”
“Uh-huh.” Ryan's expression remained kind, but Eli caught the skepticism there. “Hey, I’m not trying to pry or anything. Your business is your own, as Frodo would say. It’s just that winter’s coming, and it’s brutal here if you don’t know what you’re doing. People die out there.”
The blunt statement sent a chill through Eli that had nothing to do with the temperature.
He'd been so focused on staying hidden from potential killers that he'd almost forgotten about more immediate dangers.
Exposure. Hypothermia. Being assaulted. The simple, harsh mathematics of surviving on the streets.
“I...” Eli’s voice came out as a croak. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I don't really have anywhere else to go right now.”
Ryan studied his face for a long moment, those bright eyes taking in details Eli probably didn’t want noticed. The way his hands trembled slightly around the water bottle and how his shoulders stayed perpetually hunched as if bracing for impact.
“Okay.” Ryan nodded slowly. “Well, here’s the thing.
There are a few unwritten rules about staying safe out there, and some places that are better than others if you absolutely have to sleep rough.
” He glanced around the dining hall, then leaned closer, lowering his voice.
“The library stays open late, and certain security guards look the other way if you’re quiet and respectful.
” Ryan tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table.
“Although, I've got a better offer for you tonight, and maybe longer, if you want it.”
Eli tensed. In his experience, ‘better offers’ from strangers usually came with strings attached. “What kind of offer?”
“My—” Ryan paused, seeming to search for the right word. “My family has a spare room where you could crash. Actually, one of my family members is someone I helped once, so I think my…” He pressed his lips together before continuing. “…boyfriend won’t have a problem.”
“Your family?” Eli hoped he didn’t sound as suspicious as he felt. “Not that I don’t appreciate the help, but I’m confused.”
Ryan grinned. “No, I totally understand. I guess I’m hesitant because not everyone grasps the type of lifestyle we live.
They’re not my blood family. More like chosen family?
And I’ll be totally forthcoming, because staying with us might make you uncomfortable.
My boyfriend is actually my Dom, and we’re poly.
So the other family member I helped is also my boyfriend.