Chapter 7

“Yeah,” he mumbled. “I’m okay. You can go back to Ashley.”

“Nah, she’s occupied.”

Dan hazarded a peek at Troy’s face. Troy was smiling, and his hands were warm through the thin fabric of Dan’s costume.

Dan’s confusion must have shown on his face because Troy clarified, “She’s on the phone with Darnell.”

“Your little brother?” Dan asked, no less confused.

Troy nodded. “Yeah, they’re one of thosecouples, always in each other’s orbit. He’s traveling this week for work, or else he’d be here.”

“Couple? They’re dating?”

“Ever since college,” Troy said fondly. “They’re planning on getting engaged this winter. I don’t know, they got some plan that involves a ski lodge and a fireside proposal. Darnell’s a hopeless romantic.”

“Oh,” Dan breathed as clarity dawned over him. That was what Ashley and Troy’s cryptic conversation had meant. Soon they would be family, not just friends.

One of Troy’s hands moved to cup Dan’s cheek. “Are you sure you’re alright? Do you need anything?”