Jake.
Not for the first time, Ned wishes he had never found his boyfriend’s blog, had never seen those pictures. Then he could’ve believed whatever lie Jake made up to explain the guy who answered the phone, and maybe things wouldn’t be great between them but at least he wouldn’t be alone. Tonight, on Christmas Eve, of all nights.
He blinks back tears that threaten to freeze his eyes shut. When he looks again, the shadows have shifted and the face is gone. As he guides his key into the lock, the phone in the kitchen starts to ring.
* * * *
Ned reaches the phone just as the answering machine picks up. With the receiver to his ear, he listens to his own voice rattle off, “Sorry we missed you…”
Nothing sorry about it. He should change the message, if only while his roommate is out on sem
