Page 45 of Ravenous

“No.” Finn pointed at each of them. “Leave us out of your twisted games.”

Liam gasped for air between giggles. “I think Ollie mightlikea double date.”

“Give us a little room to breathe, huh? I’ll consider it once we make it to three months.”

Calming down, Liam tilted his head with a genuine smile. “Just so you know, Ollie seems happier.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Finn stated.

Owen’s cell phone rang; shifting to the side, he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen.

“It’s a bride. Sorry, Angel. I have to take this.” Dislodging Liam, Owen got up, gave him a quick kiss, and left the bus.

Realizing that they were alone together, Finn wanted to ask about Ollie, for Liam might have some insight. However, Finn didn’t know if he’d be overstepping. Ollie had been shaken after his dizzy spell at the tennis court and while Finn had tried to keep the mood up the rest of the date had been stilted, his worries interfering.

All he had was concern, but when coupled with his feelings for Ollie? He had to take the chance.

“I have a question.” Finn took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “But it’s about Ollie.”

“Oh.” Liam’s brows pinched together but his eyes held more. “You know, now I kind of understand what it was like for you when I started dating Owen.”

“What?” It took a moment for Liam’s statement to sink in. “Oh, because I’m dating your best friend now.”

“Yes, and I would give you theplease don’t hurt himspeech too, but if you’re asking what I think you’re asking, then I don’t need to. Because you’re already proving that you care.”

“I do. And I won’t hurt him, I couldn’t,” Finn replied fervently.

“I know.” Liam’s nod held certainty and he gestured, encouraging Finn to ask his question.

“Okay…” Finn had to force himself to spit it out. “Does Ollie ever eat around you?”

Liam’s face held no surprise, which was telling. “When we go out to lunch on our shopping days and he orders something…” He drifted off, biting his lip, but this was a serious issue, making Finn push.

“Does he eat it?”

“Not uh…not a lot of it, no.” Liam folded his hands together tightly and his expression mirrored Finn’s unease. “Is there something wrong with him? I know he lost weight on purpose but I thought he’d stop. Eventually.”

“So, you think it’s a weight thing? Not a stomach issue or an allergy?” Finn cracked his neck, trying to relieve the tightness in his shoulders.

“He hasn’t mentioned anything like that but you’d have to ask him. I’m afraid that if I talk to him about it, he’ll wall me out.” Liam frowned. “You’re worried about him too.”

“A little.” Finn’s concern started to morph into something solid, more fundamental. “I know Idoneed to talk to him but I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.”

“Whatever you find out, please let me know if I can help?” He looked up at Finn, worry in his eyes.

Finn hoped he was wrong, that he was overreacting. But if he wasn’t, then Ollie could use all the help he could get. “I absolutely will.”

13

OLLIE

ItwasamazinghowOllie could be simultaneously happy and worried. Against his better wishes, he was starting to like Finn. A lot. More than he should, because the further he fell the harder it would be to get back up once things ended. But it was like a different part of him took over whenever he was around his handsome knight, and that part told him he deserved more. He’d given up food; he should be allowed to have this in return.

And he was so very close. He only needed to lose a few more pounds but they’d have to wait because once again Ollie was required to eat. Earlier that week, Finn had humbly requested that the next date be at his favorite restaurant and Ollie knew that he couldn’t say no. Finn had been studying him lately, not exactly like his parents did, but there was a familiar scrutiny. So, Ollie needed to reassure Finn and he would do that by being completely normal about food for this meal.

Trepidation buzzed through Ollie’s body during the ride there but, as soon as they stepped inside, he instantly felt more relaxed, because Thank Goodness It’s Tasty wasadorable.With framed pop art on the walls and wire furniture padded with red cushions, the place had fifties vibes; plus, there was a huge glass window in front that looked out onto the street and they were lucky enough to be seated next to it. Distracting himself by people-watching instead of sweating over calories, Ollie put his faith into the reinstated Christmas Plan - eat for one night and then work it off over the following weeks.

Finn’s eyes drifted from the sky outside down to Ollie’s face. “I know this isn’t that fancy but-”

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