Erik sighed deeply, relief flooding his face. "Thank you. It's been making me sick."
They sat and swung in silence as the early evening faded into a cool, clear night. Two friends together, but in a kind of limbo, both wishing things could be as they were before.
"So," Erik said, breaking the silence. "What's your plan for getting Paul back?"
Ace turned and blinked. "You want me to get him back? Even after --" he gestured between them.
"I want you to be happy, Ace," Erik said. "I had just hoped you might decide one day you could be happy with me."
"Erik --" Ace swallowed hard against threatening tears.
"Don't worry about it," Erik waved him off. "I'm not your type, I get that. I've known this for a long time." He leaned back in the seat and pushed them into a stronger swing. "I'd rat
