Page 103 of Missing Piece
“No,” Adam shook his head. “About the way I treated you in high school. I was angry, and hurting, and addicted toany pill I could get my hands on, and I took that out on you. That’s not an excuse, I just need you to understand where I’m coming from. And then there’s this…”
With a shaking hand, Adam pulled up his pant leg, revealing the metal joint of his new prosthetic. Caleb’s eyes widened, shock flickering across his face as he struggled to process what he was seeing.
Taking a shaky breath, Adam pressed on, desperation lacing his words, “Six years ago, I was in a terrible place. I asked my mom to pick me up. On our way home, she crashed the car into a sedan. Inside were a mother and her two sons, heading out of town.”
This is it. He’s going to hate you.
Adam’s throat tightened, a lump forming as his eyes remained fixed on Caleb, observing as the other man’s mouth opened and closed without a word.
Caleb’s fingers traced the jagged line of scar tissue running down his face. Adam turned away, the chill in the air mirroring the dread clenching his stomach.
It’s okay if he hates me.He braced for the inevitable rejection, the fury, the disgust, emotions he had rightly earned. He had spent countless hours before the party imagining Caleb’s response, deciding that he would allow Caleb to land a few punches before he attempted to defend himself. With that thought, he tensed, preparing for the inevitable blow.
But instead, there was a sudden warmth around him. He flinched, expecting pain, only to realize it was Caleb’s arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace. It took a moment for his brain to catch up, disbelief coursing through him.
“What are you doing?” Adam asked.
Caleb’s reply came softly, “Thank you for telling me.”
Adam’s stomach lurched, bile rising in his throat. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. “You don’t want to punch me in the face? You totally can, I won’t hit back.”
Caleb pulled away from the hug, quickly wiping tears from his eyes. “I’ve had enough violence lately.”
Adam’s chest tightened, his breathing becoming shallow and rapid. “I don’t understand,” he choked out, “why aren’t you mad at me? You should be pissed at me. You should be trying to throw me over this balcony, man. I was a monster to you. I deserve it.”
“You were,” Caleb admitted, his voice steady. “I won’t pretend like that didn’t affect me. It did. And I probably would have unloaded on you about how all of that made me feel a few months ago, but after everything that has happened—to both of us—it seems so small, doesn’t it?”
“I suppose so,” Adam whispered, his fingers shaking so badly he nearly dropped the cigarette as he flicked it off the fire escape.
“Besides, no offense, but I am definitely not strong enough to throw you over this ledge,” Caleb said with a wry smile as he rose to his feet. He held out his hand to help Adam to his feet.
“It’s not that simple,” Adam managed, trying to keep the tremor from his voice. “You can’t just…forgive me. That’s not how this works.”
Caleb leaned against the railing, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “You know what I learned during my…” he paused, rubbing his jaw, “…my time with the hunters? Holding a grudge is exhausting and it’s just a bad way to live.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Caleb cut him off firmly. “Look, I’m not sayingwe’re suddenly best friends or that everything that happened doesn’t matter. But I can see you’re different now. The Adam I knew in high school wouldn’t have apologized. He wouldn’t have cared enough to try.”
Adam’s mouth felt dry, his chest tight with an emotion he couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t relief, not exactly. More like the hollow ache after throwing up.
“I don’t know how to do this,” Adam admitted finally, gesturing vaguely between them. “Be…normal. Whatever that means now.”
Caleb’s laugh was soft, almost self-deprecating. “Normal went out the window when we both started dating vampires. I think we’re just making it up as we go along. Now come on, it’s my boyfriend’s 201st birthday, I’ve been told I’m not allowed to hide out here. Neither are you.”
They made their way back through the French doors into Ophelia’s room, a jarring explosion of bubblegum pink and vintage decor. “So you live here, right? What the fuck is Ophelia’s deal?” Adam asked, gesturing at the surroundings, genuine bewilderment coloring his voice.
Caleb shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. “I kinda’ like living now, so I don’t ask questions that might get me stabbed.”
Adam let out an amused snort, shaking his head. As they opened the door to leave Ophelia’s room, Marcus and Vincent stood in the hallway, looking suspiciously casual.
Caleb’s eyes narrowed. “Were you eavesdropping?”
“Of course not,” Marcus replied smoothly, his face a mask of innocence.
“You totally were,” Caleb accused, his tone more amused than annoyed.
Marcus waved his hand dismissively and pulled Caleb close by the waist. “I haven’t introduced you to everyone yet, come on.” He began to usher Caleb back towards the living room, where raucous laughter and chatter could be heard.
