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"I'll make do. You need to go. Today."

"You could come with me."

"Not this time."

"I can't go back today, D. I have to finish all this," he said, gesturing to the mess. "I have to get the locks changed. And you're right about that laptop. We need to delete his emails and wipe it. He knew where I was. He had access to my info."

"I'll do it, sweetie. I'll do it all. You go. Now."

"What if I can't get a flight?"

"To Montana? Please."

"Demarco… I'm scared."

"We all are, Alec."

"What if he—"

Demarco ignored him. "You'll probably have to connect, but you'd have to anyway.It's fuckingMontana."

Alec looked around at the mess.

"I'll take care of everything, Alec. Just go."

They mirrored each other with a slow smile.

"You're the best," Alec said.

"I tell you that every day."

"True… on both accounts."

Alec reached in his duffel and removed his phone. He took it to the kitchen table.

Demarco resumed cleaning. "You know if you two get married, I'll be just like Julia Roberts inMy Best Friend's Wedding."

"You'll show up in an off-the-shoulder, lavender gown?" said Alec, not looking up from the screen.

"I just might."

"Here's one from Reagan connecting in Chicago. But it leaves in less than three hours."

"You better hurry."

Alec grinned. He snatched the ticket via the press of a few buttons. "I've got time for a shower."

"A quick one."

"Then the Metro."

"Faster than a cab."

He placed his phone on the table and hugged Demarco. "You really are the best."

"You already said that," Demarco said, pointing to the bathroom. "Now go!"

Alec rushed down the hall, removing his t-shirt as he went.