Page 52 of One is Never Enough

Chapter 21

Aiden

After everyone left this morning, I sat in Jace’s office for the longest time staring at my phone. I know Jace well enough to know that he wouldn’t have let my dad pull that shit and get away with it. It’s one of the many things that I love about him.

But why can’t I tell anyone how I feel? It’s like I can’t say the words. I’ve been with Toby and Jace since college, but it was never classified as a relationship. We just stuck together and didn’t stray from each other. I’ve loved them since then but never told them. I fell in love with Oliver when we were younger, and I know he’s mine now, so why can’t I tell him? Jace and Toby both have told him exactly how they feel with words and actions. I’m afraid if I keep holding out, I’ll miss my chance. Oliver deserves to know how hard I’ve fallen for him.

My phone rings, interrupting my thoughts. I see Jace’s name flash across the screen and slide to answer. “Hello?”

“You remember the big client Oliver picked up? The one who had him designing for all his new businesses? It’s that limp dick motherfucker Trent McCall.”

“Did he touch Oliver?” My stomach rolls with disgust at the mention of that name, and I’m already half out of the chair, ready to kill him, when Jace answers.

“No. He made some advances and talked shit about us. Oli told Cass to stand outside the door because he had a bad feeling.”

“Why didn’t he tell us?”

“Because Toby would have gone super psycho and killed Trent. Oliver handled it himself. We just need to keep an eye on him for the next couple of weeks.”

“Does Oliver know what he did to me?”

“That’s your story to tell, Aiden. I promised I’d never bring it up again. But Oliver needs to know.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“I just thought you would want to know that he’s resurfaced.”

“Thanks, man.”

Jace is quiet for a few seconds, and I give him a chance to say what he needs to. “What’s on your mind, Aiden?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Because I know you. Talk to me.”

“I think I’m going to call Dad. What did you say to him?”

“I told him that he missed out on watching you turn into one of the most badass real estate agents I’ve ever met. I also told him that he doesn’t deserve the right to call you his son.”

“I need to see if I can make this right. I know he doesn’t deserve it.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Jace agrees. “But you do.”

“I’m going to call him and get this over with.”

“Okay. You know where I am if you need me.” He’ll be waiting just in case I need something, just like he always is. I open my mouth to say the words, and the call disconnects.

I flip quickly through my contacts and dial Dad’s number. He answers on the third ring, and I can hear the surprise in his voice. “Aiden?”

“Yeah.”

Dad clears his throat. “I was wondering if we could have dinner or something.”

“I’d rather not.”

I wait for Dad to explode, and I’m surprised when he doesn’t. “Fair enough. Can we talk now?”

“Yeah.”

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