Chapter 21 Present #2
“I’m also sorry for some things, too, you know,” Alex said. “I wrote a letter for you, but never thought I’d ever be able to hand it to you.” He pulled out an envelope that looked worn and handed it to Ry. He took it gently and tucked it into his vest.
“I’ll read it at home,” Ry said. “It’s a little too much to do in public.”
Alex chuckled. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” Instead, he sipped his water and looked around for a moment. “I didn’t think my life would end up here. Especially not in the last couple of years.”
Ry grinned. “Me too,” he said. “I’m just happy to be feeling alive again after all that awful shit.”
The low hum of rising chatter filled Ry's ears as the patio grew cooler. A prickle of impatience radiated in his skin, an urge to flee the crowded space. With a sudden push, his chair scraped loudly against the floor. Ry rose, his muscles protesting with a long, satisfying stretch.
Alex also pushed back from the table, suddenly towering over everyone. “Yeah, time to go.”
As they left, they thanked the staff for a wonderful meal.
The valet pulled up with his car, and Ry tipped him well.
He slipped into the driver's seat, the lingering scent of worn leather enveloping him.
The click of the passenger door closing plunged the world into a profound, tranquil contrast to the cacophony of the establishment.
“Thank you,” Alex said after they were on the road.
“You’re welcome.” Ry glanced at him.
The hum of the engine, beneath a soft melody of Alex’s choosing, filled the space between them.
The quiet inside the car was a different kind than before; no crackling tension, but a gentle, peaceful stillness that settled comfortably.
He kept his hands on the wheel, tempted to curl his fingers around Alex’s hand.
Soon, the crunch of tires on gravel announced their arrival at Alex's place. Instead of a quick drop-off, Ry killed the engine and opened his door, stepping out into the evening. He grabbed a small package and tucked it into his vest.
“Thanks,” Ry said, his voice trembling with sudden nervousness. “For coming out tonight and agreeing to this mad scheme.”
“You’re a dork.” Alex smiled.
“I have a gift for you,” Ry said. “I visited my dad and picked up something of yours.”
“Huh?” Alex leaned forward. “What did I leave there?”
Ry pulled out the wrapped package. He handed it over to Alex. “You left it there when we moved down here.”
Alex took it, hefting its weight, a puzzled expression on his face. “It’s a book.”
“Yeah,” Ry said. “Open it.”
He cradled it, his fingers tracing the rough, crinkling paper as he gently peeled away the layers. The cover, a vibrant swirl of stylized art, immediately drew his attention, causing him to inhale sharply and almost silently. A Wizard of Earthsea was scrawled in a distinctive font.
“Ry,” he said. “I can’t believe your dad still had this. I figured it was in a box somewhere. Thanks.”
“Do you remember when I gave it to you?”
Alex smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. “Yeah. You were so dramatic about it though.”
Ry laughed. “I just wanted to show you how much I liked you.”
“It worked, didn’t it?”
“Wanted to make sure you had it again. I know the series meant a lot to you.”
“I might have to collect the rest of them.” He reached out and squeezed Ry’s hand. Then Alex pulled him into an embrace. “Thanks for the dinner and conversation, too.”
Ry hugged him back tight, the familiar texture of Alex's shirt against Ry's cheek.
The scent of orange and musk filled Ry's nostrils.
It was strangely fitting, yet jarring, to hold a man he'd once known so well.
Alex had transformed, the sharp edges of his youth softened, but the embrace brought forth a torrent of memories Ry had desperately tried to bury over the years.
As Ry slowly let him go, a keen, cold pang shot through him, quickly receding into a persistent, throbbing ache. As much as romance featured in his fantasies, he couldn’t jeopardize anything now that he had him back in his life.
“I missed you,” he whispered
Alex's hands pressed into Ry's shoulders.
Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.
The kiss began with a tender press of lips, the gentle yielding, the slight moisture that hinted at more.
His own body responded instinctively: a subtle leaning forward, a quiet yearning held in check by practiced reserve.
In that brief, warm exchange, a sense of future possibilities bloomed.
“I’d say it was a successful date.” Alex smirked, pleased with himself.
“Yeah,” Ry said, breathing heavily. He didn’t know what else to do, so he reached up to kiss him another time, a little more tender, trying to fill his touch with desire, intent, and passion. Alex melted instantly into him.
After a few minutes outside, making out like they were teens once more, Ry slowly pushed himself away from Alex.
Alex smiled, then looked up at the half-hidden stars above. “It’s been a while since anyone has hit those buttons. Picked up a new technique?”
“So have you.” As the light softened, Ry’s gratitude was accompanied by another flush of heat rising up his neck. “Let’s go at a pace that’s comfortable for both of us. I was so young and stupid that I’m afraid to make mistakes.”
“Everyone does,” Alex said, pulling Ry in close. “You owning them now is more important. Keep doing that, treating yourself right, listening, and I’ll be willing. Pull any shit like you did before, and I’m out.”
“It’s gonna be more difficult than the first go-around, I think.” Ry took a deep breath, breathing in the rich scent of Alex. Ry leaned up to kiss him gently on the lips and hugged him closer.
“Then we’ll work harder,” Alex said, squeezing him. “Let’s leave it at that tonight, alright? Call me when you get home.”
“Okay, I will.” Ry let Alex go. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Ry.” Alex waved from inside.
The door clicked shut with a soft thud, leaving Ry in the hushed quiet.
Back in his vehicle, he eased out of the driveway, the hum of the engine a low thrum as he headed to his house.
He replayed the phantom touch of lips, a kiss he’d anticipated for years, endlessly in his mind during the short drive.
Parking his car, he pulled out his phone, fingers tapping out notes as he had at Rosewood.
A wide, unstoppable grin stretched across his face, bright like sunshine, and a joyous whoop escaped his throat.
Alex liked him. Despite the odds, the second chance he perhaps didn't deserve, a flicker of hope ignited, promising something more.