Page 61 of Private Exhibit
A pair of chipper voices sounded on the other side. When the door opened, Andy saw Hayden—the stunning boy from the club—as well as the pretty, young man who'd interviewed with him right before Devon. Hovering close behind the two boys was Thomas Pennington himself.
“You made it!” Hayden exclaimed, throwing his arms around Devon. “Oh, I'm so glad.”
Devon looked startled, his eyes wide, but then he sank into the embrace, closing his eyes, his face pinched like he was on the verge of joyful tears.
Andy's heart clenched. He silently thanked the gods for getting to witness this moment. Devon's happiness—and at something as simple as being included—was an incredibly beautiful thing.
Hayden pulled back, beaming at Devon, then turned to give Andy a thorough once-over. “And I see you brought some hunky eye-candy with you.”
Thomas Pennington growled softly.
“Oh, hush, Daddy,” Hayden said with a laugh, then turned back to Andy and Devon. “He's so possessive,” the boy told them. “I love it.” He shot out a hand. “Hayden Pennington. Gods, I love saying that. I'm all official now.”
Andy shook the boy's hand. “Andy Gerard.” He shook hands with Thomas next.
“And this is Maddie,” Hayden went on, gesturing at the boy beside him. “Sorry, we were just finishing up. Ran a little late. Maddie's helping me with my magic since I can't go to Jadu'n right now.”
“Oh, we've met,” Maddie said with a laugh, then turned and gave Hayden a hug. “See you soon.” He stepped back and gave Thomas a smile. “Thanks, Mister Pennington.”
Thomas gave him a single, tight nod in return.
“You sure you can't stay?” Hayden asked. “You're more than welcome to join us for brunch. Gods know we'll have plenty of food. And then you can meet my other friends.”
The boy looked like he was tempted but he ultimately shook his head. “I was up all night at work. If I don't get home and get some sleep, I'll wind up on his slab,” he said with a laugh, hooking a thumb in Andy's direction.
“Say what now?” Hayden asked.
“He's a doctor,” Maddie replied. “Works in the morgue at U.H.”
“Creepy,” Hayden said, sounding more fascinated than anything. “Are you staying for brunch?”
“I'm just dropping Devon off–” Andy began.
Maddie nudged Hayden in the ribs with his elbow, then gave Andy and Devon a pointed look before turning to Hayden with a smirk.
“Oh,” Hayden gasped. “Damn. Yeah. I see it, too.” He grinned up at Andy. “You're definitely staying. You were at the club last weekend, weren't you? I think I saw you there in the crowd.” He looked at Devon. “Now I know why you never made it upstairs to celebrate with us.”
Devon turned bright red.
Maddie laughed, then covered a yawn. “Father's love. Sorry. I should get going. See you soon,” he repeated, then raised a hand, starting to make a flourishing gesture.
“Wait,” Andy blurted out. He looked from Maddie to Hayden and back. “You're both magi?”
“Obviously,” Hayden said with a smirk.
“Do either of you know a mage with long, dark hair?”
The two boys shared a look. “Is this like one of thoseall-gay-people-know-each-otherthing?” Hayden asked. “You think it's like that with the magi?”
“What? No. I just–”
Hayden laughed. “I'm fucking with you. But, no. Not that I can think of,” he added, and Maddie shook his head in agreement. “Why?”
“There was one in the morgue the other day,” Andy explained. “He said something cryptic about a body and then vanished. I just can't figure out who he is or what he was doing there.” Andy paused. “I think he was at the club last weekend, too.”
Hayden stilled, his gaze flicking side to side. “Oh. Wait. Long, dark hair…” He took a deep breath like he was gearing up to say something, but got interrupted when the elevator doors opened again. Hayden let out a squeal of excitement and made a beeline past Andy, throwing himself into the arms of a boy who looked just like him.
The embrace was so palpable that everyone fell silent, watching it happen. The twins held on as though they wanted to become part of one another's skin. It almost looked like they were never going to let go.
