Page 5 of Sixty Days Of Summer

“But isn’t that what you guys do when you share chicks?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Nah, we don’t touch each other’s dicks,” Theo says with a casual shrug. “Our dicks might bump into each other during a threesome or whatever, but that’s about it. I don’t think Nate’s into that.”

“But you are?” I press, genuinely curious.

“Hell yeah, why not?” Theo grins. “The day Nate Reynolds actually kneels down and sucks my dick, I’ll be the fucking happiest guy alive.”

I smirk, appreciating Theo’s blunt honesty. It’s one of the things I genuinely respect about him. “Why not just lay it all out there? Speak your mind.”

He falls silent, his eyes glued to the game.

Just when I think the conversation’s done, he speaks up.

“Because it could fuck everything up between us,” Theo says quietly, his gaze fixed on the screen. “Nate’s been my rock since I was nine, always there when the shit in my head gets too much.He’s the only one who can pull me out of that darkness. I can’t risk losing that. He already knows how much he means to me, and I can’t jeopardize the one solid thing I’ve got.”

As Theo lays it all out, I realize the depth of their bond, like an unbreakable thread connecting them. I’ve always sensed something unique between them, but never really dug into it. I had a hunch that their connection went beyond friendship, like there was an underlying tension simmering between them. Hearing that they’ve never crossed that line takes me by surprise—I’d always assumed their relationship was more than platonic.

We fall into silence, eyes locked on the game. My heart races as Nate’s voice grows louder, causing my nerves to kick into overdrive.

Nate bursts into the room, his phone clutched tightly to his ear, his voice oozing with anger. “I’ll fucking kill the bastard, Scar,” he growls, his anger crackling in the air.

Theo hits pause on the game, his laid-back demeanor instantly replaced by genuine concern as he turns to face Nate, who paces anxiously behind us.

Shit, did Scarlet just rat me out? I wonder, tossing the remote onto the couch and bracing myself for Nate’s explosion.

“Do you want me to come out there?” Nate barks into the phone.

Rising to his feet, Theo takes a step forward, effectively obstructing Nate’s path and forcing him to halt.

“So how the hell did that asshole get in?” Nate growls.

I let out a deep breath, relieved that Nate’s conversation with Scarlet isn’t about me. Still, the solemn expression on his face tells me that something grave has happened.

“You need to stay here,” Nate says firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate. “Crash in our spare room, Scar. If that asshole touches you again, I swear I’ll find him and make him regret it.I’ll hop on a plane right now and deal with him.” His voice is hard, but then it softens. “Scar don’t cry. It’s not your fault.”

Hearing Scarlet, usually so full of cheer, crying on the phone to Nate throws me off, and I can’t shake this weird urge to protect her. Apart from those two nights, her life remains a mystery to me.

“Alright, Scar, here’s the deal,” Nate says, his voice steady. “Pack a few things and come stay with me and Theo. You need to get away from that asshole. What did the cops say?”

Theo, sensing the gravity of the situation, grabs Nate’s arm, his face tense. “What the hell’s going on?” he demands.

Nate quickly covers the phone with his hand and lowers his voice. “Beck broke into Scarlet’s place. He attacked her. It’s a fucking mess.”

“Is she okay?” Theo asks, his voice filled with concern.

“Yeah, she got away,” Nate replies, pulling his hand back and returning his focus to Scarlet. “I don’t give a shit about the media, Scar. Ignoring this won’t stop him. Just come stay with us. I’ll get you on the next flight. You’ll be here in a couple of hours.” Nate takes a deep breath, the stress evident on his face.

"Who’s Beck?" I ask, even though I know I’m probably overstepping. I’ve already crossed a line with Nate, but I need to understand who this asshole is.

“Beck is Scarlet’s ex,” Theo explains. “They broke up ages ago, but he just won’t stay out of her life. He keeps showing up and making her life hell.”

Nate steps forward and takes a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen counter. “Alright, I’ll book the flight right now. Pack your stuff, and I’ll send you the details,” he says, his voice steady. “Theo and I will pick you up from the airport. We’ll be there as soon as you land.”

Theo retrieves a tub of yogurt from the fridge, effortlessly tossing one to me while grabbing another for himself. He pulls out two spoons from the drawer and hands one to me.

Choosing the second stool away from Nate, I sit down and open the yogurt container.

“Alright, Scar, I’ll see you soon. Love you,” Nate says, ending the call. With a careless motion, he drops his phone on the counter; the sound reverberating in the quiet room. He runs his hands through his hair, his frustration evident. “If I ever see that fucker, I’m gonna make him pay,” he says.

---