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

Ryan released a strangled noise. “I don’t know. Maybe just the thought of dating him? Maybe knowing you wouldn’t actually say that because—” He made a weak hand gesture to incorporate everything. All of himself. “Maybe just the end of a stressful day.”


Hollis thought about that, listening for the raspy gasps to become steady and smoother. If it had just been buildup from the day, then he was glad Ryan had made it this far—even if Ryan had little control over when the worst attacks struck. If it was the other thing, well, then…“If it makes you feel any better, the reason I wouldn’t set you up with him is because he’s a great friend but a crappy boyfriend.”


“Yes. I dated him for two weeks, and he cheated on me twice.”


What could almost be called a laugh escaped. “Not the committed type, huh?”


Chapter 13