Chapter 22

Jameson was quiet. He stopped eating and stared at his tray as though it had the answers to the universe. Avery watched him for a long moment and steeled his resolve. They were friends, and friends talked about that kind of thing.

“It’s okay. You can ask.”

Jameson met Avery’s gaze. “You and Luke. You were bonded?”

“Yes.” Avery swallowed hard and then reached for his water bottle just to have something to do with his hands. “He died. Pancreatic cancer. By the time we found it, it was too late.”

Jameson slid his chair closer and lowered his head. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Avery.”

“Thank you. I’m okay.” Avery sucked in a breath, surprised at how true that was. He gave a wavering smile. “I wasn’t for a long time. But now I’m okay. It still hurts, and I still miss him. But I always will. And to be honest, I wouldn’t want that to change.”