Page 96 of Rules to Love By

“Besides it being my job, Kreed, I’m happy to help. You know that.”

“I know. I also know we’re kind of high-maintenance clients.”

As the door swung shut behind them, Eli heard Schiffer chuckle. He turned his attention away from them to face Marcus.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Marcus nodded. “That was a lot.”

“You sort of look like shit,” Tris said.

Eli frowned at him.

“Oh, back down, Daddy Bear,” Tris snapped. “Come on.” He took Marcus by the elbow. “You can crash at mine. It’ll be quieter.”

Marcus gently pried himself free. “Who’s being a daddy bear? Or should I say mama badger?” he asked with a lilt of teasing.

“Best-friend privilege,” Tris said.

“Agreed. But honestly, I’m fine here. It’s familiar. I’m used to the noises of a diner, yeah?”

Tris sighed. “Yeah. I guess so.”

“Tris,” Lucky said quietly, “Can you check on the guests?” He nodded towards the dining room. “Bring a tray of your cookies around and make apologies.”

“Me?”

“You’re charming,” Kreed growled.

“Pffft.” But Tris did as he was asked.

Steph turned back to the serving window, Lucky disappeared with a load of napkins for the laundry, and Kreed hunched over his grill.

“Well.” Marcus glanced around. “That’s that, I guess.”

Eli snorted. “Subtle.”

“Don’t think they were going for subtle.”

“No, I guess not.”

Marcus furrowed his brow. “Are you going to keep this three feet of space, now I’m a suspected criminal?”

“You’re not a criminal.” Eli narrowed the distance fast. “I know you didn’t do this.”

Marcus sighed. “It almost doesn’t matter if you believe me or not.” He held up a hand when Eli wanted to protest. “I mean, I’m happy you do, but I know what the truth is. Whether you believe me doesn’t change that. It doesn’t change anything, really. I guess if you didn’t, you wouldn’t still be here, and that might change… something.” He sighed. “I’m really tired. Not making much sense, probably.”

Eli moved in, ran a hand up his arm, and cupped the side of his head.

A long breath eased out of Marcus, and he slumped forward against Eli’s chest.

He shook, whether from emotion or exhaustion or both, Eli didn’t know, but it prompted Eli to hold on tight.

“Hey,” Lucky said softly from behind Marcus. “The green room’s still open. You guys want it?”

“Ye—”

“No.” Marcus straightened, taking a step back.

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