Chapter 39

When they got home, they spent the rest of the evening watching TV, sitting at opposite ends of the sofa in the living room. It wasn’t until they went upstairs that Merrick asked, hesitantly, “Can I give you a hug, before you go to bed?”

Ryan balked at the idea for a moment before replying, “I’d like that.”

They did hug, somewhat tentatively, then without a word, retired to their separate bedrooms.

Yes, things willget back to the way they were—in time. Ryan shook his head. There I go with the ‘in time’, again. We’re getting there, though. He was tempted to go knock on Merrick’s door, or even walk into his room unannounced. He wanted to. He wanted what they’d had before. He loved Merrick, he couldn’t deny that. “I just need a few more days and then…” Smiling, he got undressed and went to bed.

* * * *

One more week. Merrick nodded. One more week, my love, and you’ll be mine again, the way it’s meant to be. Just you and me, forever.

* * * *