Page 19 of Drop Three

He nods quietly while the now-silent clubhouse gives me a second to collect myself. All I need to do is get the rest of my stuff stored away, call for Chinese takeout on the way home, and be in bed with a book by nine. I’ll probably crash before making a dent in it, but at least it’s in the plans.

I’m not intentionally ignoring King, who is still sitting here; I can’t tell if he wants to keep talking or is once again studying me. It looks like he’s back to remaining silent.

“Not gonna lie, I’m worried about you, man.”

I stop in my tracks at King’s declaration. He always radiates such positivity, never complaining or stirring up a fuss, but for him to notice something in me enough to speak up means I’m doing a shitty job at masking my demons.

And fuck, do I have demons, alright.

I turn my attention to him, and my brows raise in question. “Don’t be. I’m getting it figured out.” He doesn’t need to know the details; I’m trying to help myself.

However, King challenging back isn’t what I expect from his response. “‘Getting it figured out?’ What’s that supposed to mean? I wouldn’t exactly call avoiding everyone who cares about youfiguring it out.”

I’ve been friends with King long enough to know he’s not trying to pick a fight with me; he’s passionate. He goes hard for the people in his village, and he’s doing that for me.

I shake my head in defeat. “I’m seeing someone, okay.”

His brows shoot up. “Seeing someone? As in a therapist or as in a woman? Or man, no shame there, brother.”

“Jesus, King. Yes, a therapist. Just keep it between us, okay?”

I’m back to sitting, and the weight and exhaustion are overwhelming. It feels strange to be vulnerable with another person. I’ve spent years keeping everything inside, and finally sharing it with someone throws me a little off balance.

I guess that’s one step in the right direction.

King nods, confirming my secret is safe with him. “Shit, Bodhi. I’m proud of you. It’s good to see you finally doing something for yourself.”

I nod. “Thanks. Means a lot.”

This is our friendship. He’s straight up when I typically shut down. But today, I finally vocalized my position and never realized how much I needed it.

King takes a giant step, putting him directly in front of me as he pulls me in for a hug.

“You’ve got this, man. We’re all rooting for you.”

I know they are. I’m grateful for it.

Strangely enough, I’m beginning to root for myself, too.

6

BODHI

The clock reads8:00 p.m.—off to bed I go, in excellent timing.

After my chat in the clubhouse with King, I grabbed Chinese takeout on the way home, showered, and stuffed my face.

It’s been a perfect night.

Nothing beats an oyster pail full of orange chicken and lo mein after a killer practice. Add those crab rangoon things and I’m floating in a heavenly realm. I don’t have a clue what kind of addictive shit they put in those bad boys, but I can throw back ten in a sitting.

I quickly clean up my mess in the kitchen and head toward the stairs before a knock on the door halts me from moving any farther.

Again?What is up with all these late-night visits?

My roommates are at Delta for the night, and I know Navy is staying with Tenley, so who could be at the door?

At least I’ve got respectable clothes on.

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