Chapter 4

But as he watches the new film, he sneaks glances at Jed and Donnie on the couch, not because he’s attracted to them, but because he envies what they have, the casual intimacy. What they have is special, and Brenton doesn’t want to be jealous, but he is.

It’s late by the time the movie finishes, so Jed offers up his spare room. Brenton’s tired, so he agrees.

* * * *

Brenton gets up early in the morning. Donnie’s already up doing yoga, the scar on his knee from the shooting visible.

Brenton says goodbye to him and passes his love onto Jed, who’s still in bed. Then he heads back to his place. He changes into his running gear as soon as he’s checked the messages on his answering machine, and seeing there’s nothing important. Brenton heads out for a run. He’s been running since he was a teenager, and he always finds it clears his mind.