Page 85 of Hack

"No, don't tell him I'm worried. Just that I love him," she said quickly.

"Okay." He nodded as if she could see him. "You don't worry about him, okay? I promise I'll call if anything changes. He's just taking an overdue break."

"Alright. Thanks, Archer. I hope I see you soon too."

He smiled. "So do I. Thanks for calling, Faith." He heard her hang up so he set the phone down on the counter, his gaze still locked on Carter. "Faith loves you, and says I'm supposed to not tell you she's worried about you."

Carter smiled. "That girl worries about all of us." He blew out a long breath. "Thanks for talking to her for me. I just can't… Not yet."

"That's okay. She's texting me her number and told me to tell you to call her when you are ready." Archer was glad Carter took it well. "You hungry? I've got dinner started, but it will be hours yet. I was going to make a sandwich for lunch. I can make you one."

"Thanks, but no. I think I'm going to go sit outside again." Carter glanced out into the backyard.

"Okay. I'll be in the garage if you need anything. Dinner will be ready around five. I'll leave it here for you and clean up once you've eaten." More than anything, he wanted to walk over and take Carter into his arms.

"Thanks. I mean that for everything, thank you."

Their eyes locked for a moment and he was sure that he'd made the right choice giving him space. That was exactly what Carter was thanking him for. "Any time." He reached for his phone and shoved it in his pocket. "Yell if you need anything."

"I will." Carter turned and walked away without another word.

Archer listened for the backdoor to close, and when he heard it, he forced himself to go the other way. The garage was safe. There was plenty for him to distract himself within the garage.

If this didn't kill him, hopefully, they'd both come out stronger when it was over.