Page 49 of Falling Faster
"In bed?" I can't help teasing, thinking of Cody's earlier offer.
Finally, Patrick's scrutiny swings in my direction. His expression is unreadable. "No."
"Did you fight? You both seemed fine before we started playing."
His gaze shoots to the microphone, then to the closed door. "Contrary to popular belief, we don't fight all the time."
"Just most of it?"
With a sigh, Patrick pushes away from the wall. "What do you want, Craig?"
"I want to know why you're acting this way." Legs splayed, I cross my arms over my chest and wait. I can out-stubborn the man. "We have a second shot at our dream, and this time, with the support of Furious Records, it can actually come true. We should all be getting along, not fighting. So, what gives? Are you regretting giving this a go?"
"No. Put it down to me being exhausted and jet-lagged, and agreeing to spend the next two weeks rooming with someone who gets under my skin like no one else." He twists the cap off the water bottle. "I'm sorry I'm being an ass. I'll apologize to him."
"Want to switch with me? You can stay here and I'll stay with Cody. I'll probably end up staying with Ty most nights anyway."
"No. It's fine."
"If you're sure…" We watch each other and I can't help feeling there's something he's not telling me. Hopefully, he'll feel he can open up and share soon. I don't like knowing one of my best friends is out of sorts, but I can't force the man to spill his secrets. "You haven't said anything about me maybe living here part-time."
His brows shoot up. "It's your life. You can do whatever you want. To echo Devon's earlier question, are you asking for my permission?"
"Of course not. But I don't want to leave you stranded. It's been the two of us together in the same city for a decade."
Patrick immediately shakes his head. "You're not abandoning me. Plus, we'll be seeing each other more with all the band stuff. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"You've found someone who makes you happy." His voice softens along with his expression, erasing all evidence of the earlier scowls and tension. "You haven't been happy the last few years, buddy. Not like how you are with Ty. You should be where he is as often as possible."
"There's so much to think about. The band has commitments and obligations now. I want to be where you guys are. But I want to be with him too."
"We’ll make things work." He lets that thought hang, and I know he's right.
"I know we will." My voice is sure. "I've always been happiest when we're jamming together."
He takes a swig of water. "Then you met Ty, and now you're happiest with him. Don't deny it. Our feelings won't be hurt that someone's displaced us."
"Not displaced."
"In a way, we have been. But it's okay. You found your person."
"Yeah. I have."
He smiles at me, then pulls a face and rolls his eyes. "Okay, enough mushy shit. When you're here, if music or lyrics come to you, or to us, we'll record the sessions and send them to each other, attempt more virtual rehearsing. But we'll need to see each other often so we can play together. You keeping your apartment in LA?"
"Yeah. Maybe Devon can stay there when I'm not." I pull out my phone and open my notes app, making a list of the things I need to do. "I also have to talk to the people at the foundation… What do you think about me starting up a branch of it here in Buffalo?"
"That's a good idea." He sets the bottle down, then picks it up again and wanders toward the mic stand. "Having Dev with me will be awesome. I'm glad he's moving back. Wish he'd never gone away. Cody too. LA won't be the same without you. It'll be better when we're all there together."
Feeling the warm glow of friendship, I bump our shoulders together. "You know, you could always spend more time here with me…"
"Yeah, I don't think so." Patrick shakes his head, but he's smiling. "Visits are fine, but I'm not moving back."
"I get it." We'll figure everything out. I'm determined to have it all. My friends, my band, and Ty.
The door at the top of the stairs swings open, and Cody comes halfway down the steps. "I'm leaving. Craig, have a great time with Ty tonight. Tell him we said hi. See you at practice tomorrow.Patrick, if you decide to stay elsewhere, please let me know so I can lock up properly and make sure you return my key."
