Page 78 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

The past four months have been a wild ride. The restaurant continues to grow in popularity, and my weekly sessions with my therapist are doing wonders for my confidence and trust. Ridley is the best partner I could ask for, always making sure my needs are met. Falling into bed with him every night is the best elixir for insomnia, but even when it pops up again, much less frequently now, we watch movies or make snacks in the kitchen together. He’s learned how to be an excellent sous chef.

In fact, I’m planning some fun for us today. While the other guys are going into the city for some kind of festival, Ridley and I are hanging back, cooking a nice dinner for everyone when they return.

A loud buzzing noise breaks up the conversation and Jerryn pulls his phone from his pocket. He scrolls on his phone, his expression changing from surprise to confusion.

“What is it?” Bane asks.

“Um, it’s Alec.”

Bane looks like he just saw a ghost.

“Who’s Alec?” Lowen asks.

“This guy I know.” Jerryn’s still looking down at his phone. “He’s gonna be in New Onyx. Wants to stop by and say hi.”

Bane’s jaw ticks. “Are you gonna let him?”

“I feel like we’re missing some history here, guys,” Indy says. “Care to enlighten us?”

“I went on a few dates with him,” Jerryn says. “But it wasn’t a match.”

Ridley squeezes my hand under the table, which I take to mean this is some drama. It’s obvious to everyone, except maybe Jerryn, that Bane is totally in love with his bestie.

“Why didn’t it work out?” Kit asks, kissing Stewart’s hand after.

“We wanted different things.” Jerryn places his phone on the table. “Story of my life.”

Bane is glaring now, staring straight ahead at nothing. I’ve never seen him look pissed off before.

“Bane?” Lowen says. “You have opinions.”

“Alec is a dick,” Bane spits, then mutters, “Sorry, Jerr. I know you thought he was cool.”

Jerryn shrugs. “It’s not that. He was just more understanding than most.”

“Understanding about what?” Ridley asks.

Jerryn’s cheeks blush a deep crimson red as he shifts in his seat. “Just some stuff.”

“Do you want to see him?” Salem asks, drawing Bane’s attention to Jerryn’s face.

Jerryn fidgets with his napkin. “I guess I should since he’s coming all the way from Seattle. There’s a tech conference in the city.” He glances at Bane. “But it’s been years. I’m sure it’s just a friendly gesture because he knows I live here now.”

“He was jealous of me,” Bane says. “He didn’t like how close we are.”

To be honest, I kind of get it. Bane and Jerryn seem like a couple. I think it would be pretty challenging for either of them to have a serious relationship. I do wonder why they aren’t a couple, but they must have a reason.

Jerryn nods. “He was. I liked him, but it wasn’t anything major.” He turns to Bane. “It wouldn’t hurt to say hi, right?”

“Nope.”

If Jerryn thinks Bane doesn’t have strong feelings about this, he’s not paying attention.

“I’m gonna get some water,” Bane says, abruptly standing from the table and walking off.

Jerryn watches him, pursing his lips then looking down at his phone.

“I’m just gonna ask,” Kit says. “Why aren’t you guys in a relationship by now?”

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