Page 15 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

“It’s fine.” Ellis checks his watch. “I still have time.”

“You work nearby?”

Before Ellis can reply, his phone chimes with a text. He’s almost relieved to find it’s not Dawson, but Amanda.

Did he just wish his work was calling him instead of his, well, family? Jesus, he really is fucked up.

“I spoke too soon.” He waves the phone at Gabriel. “Have to go.”

“Of course,” Gabriel says and…does he sound disappointed? Can’t be. Ellis must be imagining shit. “Take care, Ellis. It was nice seeing you again.” Could he at least say it a little less earnestly?

Ellis gives him a curt nod. “Bye.”

It’s not until he’s at work and pulling up into his usual parking spot, his drink untouched in the cup holder, that he realizes he never actually apologized. Great. That means he’ll eventually have to go back, right? And why is it that the thought doesn’t bother him all that much?

Not wanting to dissect it, he reaches for his fancy mystery drink, taking a cautious sip. A firework of flavors bursts on his tongue, making him take another sip before he even swallows the first one. God, how has he lived his life without knowing this thing existed? He could’ve been drinking this the whole time. It’slike Christmas in a cup. Not that he celebrates Christmas, but you know…

His tense muscles gradually relax, and he can feel his nervous system calm down. And isn’t caffeine supposed to have the opposite effect? Strangely enough, he doesn’t feel sleepy. He doesn’t feel particularly energized either. He just feels…pretty okay. Hell, he doesn’t remember the last time he feltreallyokay.

A curious part of him brings the cup to eye-level, a little wary of what he might find. Except there’s nothing on there, no mysterious message. Ellis has to push down an unexpected surge of disappointment.

“You’re fucking ridiculous, Ellis.” He lets out a derisive laugh and brings the cup to his lips.

This. This could be his good thing.

Chapter 4

Ever since a certainsomeone had wandered into his café two weeks ago, Gabe has been a disaster, his mind all over the place. Zeke hasn’t been helping either, taking the piss any chance he gets, hoping to wind him up. And wound up, Gabe is. Not even the newGuardians of the Galaxyis enough to distract him from the thoughts of stormy blue eyes and a whiskey-smooth voice he could listen to for hours.

“I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s not the movie that has you so jittery,” Ash comments smugly after they’ve entered the cinema lobby, making their way to the counter.

Gabe should’ve seen it coming. His cousin never leaves the therapist behind after he clocks out. Not that the job is to blame. Ash has always loved to pry, sticking his nose—and other body parts—in other people’s businesses. It made sense he would go ahead and get paid for it.

Gabe decides to play dumb for the sole purpose of stalling. “Why not? You know I love theGOTGfranchise. And this oneis supposed to be epic. I mean, it’s Rocket’s story.” The trailer was heart-wrenching. He just hopes no one will die, he’s too emotionally strung out right now to handle that.

Ash gives him a flat look. “Nice try. What’s up?”

“You still like to sit all the way in the back?” Gabe asks when it’s almost their turn.

“Seeing as I’m still far-sighted, yeah.”

Gabe gives him an unimpressed side-eye and turns toward the girl behind the till with a smile, ordering their tickets.

“Put that back.” Ash grabs Gabe’s wrist when he attempts to pay.

“But I asked you to the movies.”

“And here I am.” Ash grins, retrieving his wallet.

Gabe scowls. He only has two rules when it comes to paying. You either pay for what you ordered and the other person does the same, or the person who invited the other pays for both.

Ash, of course, doesn’t give a crap about the rules. Gabe knows that in Ash’s eyes, he’s still the lanky kid five years younger than him looking for his place in the world. It’s annoying. But also kinda sweet. Well, as sweet as Ash can get.

Gabe puts his phone away with a sigh. “Okay. I’m buying popcorn.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“It’s so cute that you’re arguing about who’s going to pay,” the girl behind the till says dreamily. She nods towards Ash and gives Gabe a wink. “He’s a keeper.”