Hollis is done with hanging around the bar on Valentine’s Day. He’s going to stay in -- alone -- and watch some movies. At least, that’s the plan. But his coworker’s half-brother’s cousin, better known as Ryan, is new in town. And although the lunch they shared was more levels of awkward than a house of cards, fate must want them to become friends, because on his way home after picking up his Valentine’s Day dinner, Hollis runs into Ryan again. The nice thing to do is to invite him up for dinner -- who wants to be alone in a new city on Valentine’s Day, right? The night leads to a dinner offer in return, a night bowling, a dinner party. When Ryan is relaxed, he’s a lot of fun, but he’s also a lot of work, facing off panic and anxiety in waves. But that isn’t a problem, because friends are there for each other. And they are, after all, friends. Just friends. Right?

Holding Hands

And now Ryan smiled—a real smile—and when he took his own bite of burger, it didn’t look angry, just hungry.


Over dinner, they chatted about the television shows they watched, sharing a love of British time travelers and American zombies. It was easy, light conversation, but that felt right for a Friday night. Once they’d finished their food and drinks, they took their plates and mugs to the bar. Normally Hollis would hang around, meet some friends, joke with Jake, and look for someone to spend the night—or something more—with. But Ryan headed straight for the coat rack, and Hollis followed, figuring he’d say goodbye and that would be the end of it.


Outside they stood, framed in the golden light streaming from the bar’s window, bundled and waiting for the other to do something.


“Well, I guess I should go,” Ryan said, with a glance at his watch. “Bus will be here soon.”


“I could give you a ride, if you want.” What were the words even coming out of his mouth?


Chapter 9