Chapter 45

“Are you jealous?” Alex insisted.

“No. Yes. Well, yes and no. And by the way, would it bother you if I was?”

Alex beamed.

“Absolutely not.”

“Then I’d like to gnaw his head off.”

Alex laughed.

* * * *

When they reached Ben’s house, Daniel stayed a couple of steps behind Alex.

Alex wiped his hands on his jeans and turned back to see Daniel nodding and giving him the strength to go on.

Alex rang the bell and took a deep breath. He realized only at that moment Ben was still living in the same house of his childhood, so maybe he hadn’t moved out yet. Weird, considering he was the cool guy with big plans for his future. Maybe something had gone wrong.

When the door opened, Ben’s mother stared at him with curiosity.

“Yes?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Uh, good morning, ma’am. I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Alex Moore. I—”