Chapter 41

You’re gonna let him go, Fredricks. You’re gone, and he’s got to be free. You can’t be selfish. You want him to have a full life. You said that yourself, Derrick admonished himself.

But why Ned?

Somehow the thought of his lover moving on with his best friend made him feel betrayed.

“Let it go, Fredricks! You’re dead,” he said aloud.

* * * *

That night Derrick took up his vigil spooned against Cooper as he slept. He leaned on his elbow and softly caressed Coop’s face. It was three-twenty by the clock on the bed stand. Derrick smiled. Cooper stirred his in sleep.

Just like always, Derrick thought, only this time I’m wakin’ you up instead of the other way around…

* * * *