Page 10 of Chasing After You

“Hey, Josh,” he said.

I nodded, then realized nodding wasn’t enough and added, “Hey.”

There was a pause—a very long one.

“You here to see Oliver?”

“Yes. I mean—no. Well, kind of. I actually… uh.” I swallowed. “I wanted to ask you guys something.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly, not exactly unkindly, but still like he was trying to gauge my worth. “Alright. Come in.”

I stepped inside, immediately hit by the scent of whatever expensive candle Oliver probably insisted on lighting. Hayes was on the couch, one arm tossed over the back like he belonged in a magazine spread. One time, I had asked Oliver if they were models, but he’d just laughed and shook his head. You knowwhat…? Maybe they weren’t Dobermans. They were more like jaguars than anything.

Hayes’s eyes flicked toward me, dark and sharp.

“Josh,” he said with a smile that was notnota threat.

“Hi,” I squeaked, giving a little awkward wave.

Oliver popped out from the kitchen, curly brown hair a bit damp, his face lighting up when he saw me. “Josh! What are you doing here?” The ease in his voice calmed me a little. He bounced over and hugged me, his arms soft and warm, like emotional bubble wrap. “Is everything okay? I thought you were avoiding this place,” he grinned conspiratorially.

I clocked the twins’ threatening expressions and took a step back from my friend. Taking a deep breath, I said, “I… need to ask you guys for help. Something kind of big. And I’m not sure if it’s something you can help with or not, but… I felt like if anyone could help, it’d be you two. I can’t explain why I feel that way, but I do, and I’m running out of options here.”

Hudson crossed his arms, and Hayes leaned forward, both suddenly very alert in that predator-who-hears-a-twig-snap kind of way. I steeled myself.

“Go on,” Hayes drawled. “We’re listening.”

When I went to speak, Oliver cut in. “Josh, you’re kinda scaring me. What’s going on?”

I gave him a light pat on his shoulder. “Um… So….”

Hudson rolled his eyes. “Get on with it. The longer you’re here, the longer I have to wait to get my dick wet.” Oliver’s cheeks turned cherry red while my eyes widened. I knew they fucked, but wow. That was… brazen.

Oliver huffed, “Just ignore him, Josh.” He led me over to the couch and sat down. Taking a seat as well, I debated in my head on how to start.

“Okay. Uh…”

Hayes gave an exasperated sigh. “Did Oliver explain to you what we do for work?”

“I did not!” my friend insisted.

I shook my head. “I think he may have mentioned construction when you guys first got together, but I’m not sure if I’m remembering that right. Wait, are you… like… mafia?”

Hudson laughed, “Not quite. To either.”

“What do you need help with? An ex-girlfriend? Writing a resume?” Hayes smirked.

Oliver narrowed his eyes at them both before turning to face me fully. “Josh, whatever it is, we can help. I’m saying it could be literally anything.Anything,” he stressed. “Did you do something bad…?” He asked hesitantly, reaching out to hold my hand.

I shook my head again. Then nodded. Then shook my head again.

Hayes took pity on me. “If you need help covering up a crime, we can do that.”

“No, no. Well, I did something bad a long time ago, but I don’t really need help with that. But I guess it’s sorta related.”

“Spit it out already,” Hudson groaned.

“Okay, so my ex-adoptive little brother keeps finding my phone number no matter how many times I change it, and I’m worried he might know where I am, but I’m not for sure on that, and—” I word-vomited it out. “Basically, I had to leave him a long time ago and cut contact because of something bad I did, and I’m scared he’s going to find me for, like… revenge.”