Chapter 26

He put down the ice and went to Jack and hugged him. “‘orry, ‘ack.”

“No, I’m sorry, Tom. I never wanted to hurt you. As soon as the doctor takes care of you, I’ll leave.”

“No.” Tom left his friend’s arms, wrote on the pad, then showed him the page. I’ve hurt you, too, and that was the last thing I wanted. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry

“Why, babe? What did I do wrong?”

Nothing. You didn’t do anything, Jack. This isn’t your fault

“Then why?”

Tom tried to look away, but Jack caught his chin with gentle fingers and wouldn’t let him. There was that stubborn look on his face that told Tom he wasn’t going to let it go.

Jack had just gotten too close, and it had scared Tom shitless. The knock on the door saved him from having to confess his arrant cowardice.

“I’ll get it.”