Page 166 of The Head Game

“Some people you can just be with,” he finally said. “It’s like … they don’t count as people. They don’t get on your nerves. Much as I love her, Sky is people. When we were dating and I was frustrated and needed a break, she made it worse. And I’m not blaming her, you know? It wasn’t her fault. It went both ways and it was the way we were together, but it never feels that way with you.”

“Oh,” August said quietly.

“Hey, will you take me to your place for a couple of days?” Nico said impulsively. “You were planning to go tonight anyway, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I … take me with you. Introduce me to Marty and fuck me in your bed and …” Nico’s throat closed up. “Please, Auggie.”

“Are you okay?”

“No,” Nico admitted. “And you’re the only person who gets why.”

“Okay.” August reached for Nico’s hand. “We’ll go to Hamilton tonight.”

* * *

“Aww. It’s cute,” Nico said as August slowed to a stop in front of a small brown house.

They’d taken August’s car. Nico had tried to protest but August had pointed out the Porsche would stand out like a sore thumb.

“I’m not saying it’s a bad neighborhood,” he’d explained. “But there’s no point in tempting fate when there’s no garage to lock it up in.”

Which, fair enough. Nico sort of forgot most people didn’t live in buildings with security or in homes with gates and key codes.

August’s house was two stories, painted a pale tan with darker brown trim, and located on a skinny lot with only enough room for one car in the driveway.

The house was simple and unassuming, but there was a nice front porch and a few lights glowed warmly in the windows.

“Did your neighbor turn stuff on for you?” Nico asked as August unlocked the door.

“No, I have it all on timers to randomly go on and off. Deter theft and all since I travel so much.”

The entryway of the house was narrow with a set of stairs that ran straight up to the second floor and held a small coat closet. Nico set down his bag and hung his jacket next to August’s.

His parents hadn’t been happy about the idea of him going to August’s but eventually they’d given in when they saw he wasn’t going to budge. He’d promised he’d be home next week in time for Christmas but in the meantime, he needed some fucking time away.

“Want the grand tour?” August offered.

“Sure.”

There was an open living room, a small dining room and a simple kitchen beyond. At the top of the stairs, a small landing led to two bedrooms and a single bathroom.

“There’s a deck off the back,” August said as they trooped downstairs again. “Nothing fancy but I spend a lot of time out there in the summer.”

“I like your place. It’s nice,” Nico said.

August shot him a look like he didn’t believe him.

Nico shrugged. He meant it. It was completely ordinary and there was no discernible style beyond ‘blue, gray, and black bachelor pad’ but it felt homey. Neat and tidy, exactly like he’d expected from August.

Nico stopped at the fish tank, peering curiously inside. There was a sandy bottom, some rocks and pieces of wood, a few green plants, and a single goldfish inside.

“Hi, Marty,” Nico said. “You don’t look much like your namesake.”

August chuckled.

“Hey, can I feed him?” Nico asked.

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