Chapter 22

“You can talk about him if you want,” John coaxed. “I’m a good listener.”

“There isn’t anything to say.”

“Is he an ex?”

Is he?

“I guess. In a way.”

“Did he leave you?”

Calvin shook his head. “No, I left him.” The words weighed more than he’d anticipated. They made him feel like he was shrinking in on himself, compressed into a miniature when first he’d been a mural.

Warmth settled on his knee. John’s hand. He should push it away.

Then he’d be alone again.

Calvin didn’t touch it.

“It’s better this way,” he continued. “I have a life he’s not a part of.”

“That sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself.” John squeezed his knee gently. “It’s okay to miss him. It’s not like we all don’t have breakups we regret. Just let it out.”