Andy took one look at Jason and the puddled tea and wordlessly went to find paper towels. Jill came over and sat down on the floor with him. Her hair was wet, pink streaks flat and dull. Her eyes were red. “Have they said anything?”
Jason shook his head. Didn’t trust himself to talk.
“He’ll be fine,” Jill promised, hand on his arm. “He was awake, he was talking…”
“Colby,” Jason managed. “Colby always talks.” Always. Familiar. Dependable. To be counted on.
Only that morning they’d been talking. Laughing. Saying I love you, planning for a public declaration. Hands finding hands. Colby’s lips brushing his shoulder as they lay entwined in bed. Colby swinging a long leg exuberantly over Jason’s hips and sinking down, eyes sparkling, Jason’s touch strong and careful on that slender waist.
H
