Chapter 8

Or maybe John’s absence meant…

Stop it, now you’re sounding like a jealous lover.

Maybe he’d finally found that One-Eyed Jack.

Yeah, that’s a lot more likely. And it’d also be good news, Ben.

He twisted his hat again. “So why do I feel so awful?” he murmured.

Because you miss him, you idiot. You’re dying to see him.

He let that realization sink in.

His thoughts raced: Maybe I should go to his place. But what if it’s not a good time? What if it’s awkward? What if he doesn’t want to see me?

He stood up decisively. You’ll never know if you don’t try…

* * * *

Benjamin stood, staring at John’s door for a few minutes, like he’d done the first time. He finally mustered his courage and knocked.

Silence.

He waited a moment. Then, gloomily, he turned to leave, just as the door creaked open.

“Benjamin…is that you?”

John’s voice was barely a whisper.