Page 42 of Digging Deeper

“It is, isn’t it?” Reaching my hand into my pocket, I pull out Jameson’s father’s pocket watch and dangle it between us by its chain. After watching it sway, until it stills, I say, “I think it’s time to give this back to you.” He opens his mouth, but I rush on before he can. “No, listen. I know I’m not totally healed yet, but you gave this to me to hold on to so I wouldn’t feel alone, to help me fight my fear while I was recovering. I can’t tell you how many times I held it through the night or stared at it when I wanted to give up. Then I’d think of you and your dad. He’s being subjected to prison for something we know he didn’t do, but he gave this to you as a symbol of hope—a token of the fact he still loves you, so you won’t give up. Well, I didn’t give up, and we’re not giving up on your father, either. He’ll return home and we’ll do everything we can to help him. In the meantime, I’m solid and you need this back more than I need it.”

Jameson grabs it in his hand and rubs his fingers over the face of the watch as he stares down at it. “He’s got a parole hearing coming up, you know?” he asks quietly.

“You didn’t tell me that.”

“I know. I didn’t want you to worry about me. I’m scared they won’t let him out yet, and I hate seeing him in that place, but…” His gaze moves up to meet mine. “Thank you. I wanted you to have this as long as you needed it, but it’ll be good to have it with me while I’m waiting to hear the board’s decision.”

“You come here that day, too. We’ll hang out. I don’t want you by yourself, whether the news is good or bad, I want to be here for you.”

“Thanks, partner.”

“That’s what friends are for,” I say. Then we go in for a one-armed bro hug, because Jameson’s right, we spend way too much time with Holden and Gavin. As I thump my best friend’s back, I realize I wouldn’t change a thing.

16

Gavin

Since the day I hid all the spiders—Drixstillhasn’t found them all—I’ve been working out with him every day. Not only am I happy to be exercising, since I’d stopped using his gym after he came home, I’ve been loving spending time with him.

Sometimes I can’t tell if I love it because he’s become such a close friend, or if I love it because my little crush has reached astronomical levels and… Drix ishot. Seeing him work his muscles is like a religious experience or something. I want to worship him… with my tongue.

As soon as I step into the gym, Drix asks, “Do you want the bike first today?”

I shrug. “Sure.” I walk over and get the bike set up as I watch him arrange himself on the workout bench. I can hardly lift the weight he uses with two hands and he’s over there pumping it with one. And I can’t stop staring becauseholy wow.

After a few minutes, Drix turns his head and catches me staring. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say a little too quickly.

Drix gives me a look I don’t understand before he finishes his rep.

He’s pretty quiet today while we’re going through our workout, so after a while, I ask, “What’s got you thinking so deeply over there?”

“What? Nothing,” he says quickly.

“Real convincing, Drix.” I roll my eyes.

He sighs. “Did you talk to Holds today?”

“Yeah, I talked to him on my lunch break.” Like I do almost every day. “Why? What’s up?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing, I was just thinking about asking him if he wants to come over for dinner tomorrow or something.”

“Oh, that sounds fun. I have off tomorrow, but I can find something to do so you have the house to yourself or whatever.”

He stares at me like I’m insane, then closes his eyes and shakes his head for a second. “I meant with you, too. Jesus, Gav.”

“What? I thought you maybe wanted to do like a brother thing or something. I didn’t want to invite myself.”

“But you live here.”

“But it’s your house.”

He stares at me again, and his nostrils flare. “Gavin.” He pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration before focusing on me. “This is your home, too. Not just mine. I would never try to kick you out of your own home, for fuck’s sake.”

His words bring warmth to my chest, but also to my cheeks because now I’m embarrassed over my reaction. I guess I’m not really used to people being kind. “Okay. Sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry—you know what? Forget it. Let’s start over.” He sets everything down and turns his body to face me and look into my eyes. “Gavin, I would like to invite my brother over tomorrow night to have dinner withus.Is that okay with you?”

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