Chapter 59

“You don’t want this, Dean. You don’t want me. Not really.”

Did Jay believe that, or was he asking, trying to sound convincing? Nothing spoken could help them. Dean didn’t have an answer to give. Not wanting to let Jay go yet wasn’t good enough. Jay deserved more, and if unable to provide it, the fair thing for Dean to do was to release him.

“You mean you want more than I’m prepared to give.” Dean hoped he didn’t sound accusing, must have though because Jay’s eyes narrowed.

“Please don’t do this to me, Dean. Don’t leave it all up to me.”

He didn’t intend to. Didn’t mean to, anyway. His own reluctance or Jay’s eyes glistening held him tongue-tied, rendered mute.19

“You’re sure you need to leave today?”

Jay trundled his case through the house to the front door. “Mum, you know I promised April I’d be at her party. She’ll be furious.”

“The forecast isn’t good.”

“They’ve gritted the motorways. I’ll make it home before the snow comes.”