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Jon had taken up meditating for an hour every day after Levi left for the bar. He found in meditation he could still the worry in his mind and examine his life as if he were watching a movie. For some people, dissociation from your problems may not help to work past them, but for him, it helped gain perspective.

As he sat on the floor in the office, he inhaled, held for a count of ten, and exhaled. With each exhale, he let the events of the day wash through him. He had met Levi’s ex. So what? James seemed nice enough, but it was clear to Jon that James and Levi were too alike and, at the same time, too different to be a match. But still, there was that tinge of doubt, and he couldn’t shake it.

He had James’s number now, so why not ask him to come help pack? He could even help load some things on the truck. Take some of the load off Levi. Jon was acutely aware that Levi was trying to do as much of the work as possible while he was tied up in meetings.

Jon got up and went to the desk. He sent a text to James and sat at the computer. He hadn’t meditated long enough to fully clear his mind, but he had things to do. Opening his laptop, he navigated to a secured folder. He doubted Levi would ever pry into his computer, but you never know. Besides, if anyone were on his laptop, he didn’t want them to stumble into his most private thoughts. He opened a document he started the first day he was alone in this house. It held thoughts he dared not share with anyone.

As he captured the last of his thoughts for the day, there was a knock on the door.

“James, come in. Thank you for being willing to help me after everything earlier.”

“It’s the least I could do. I mean, I was gonna dump her anyway, but I know that has to be heavy having your boyfriend’s ex just show up out of the blue. Especially when I’m sure he never spoke fondly of me.”

“Well, we never really talked about his exes, but I knew there had to be at least one around.”

James sighed. “You seem like a good kid, and I can see there’s something between you two. Even if I thought Levi would forgive me, I know that he’s yours now.”

Jon smiled.

“I think he’ll forgive you, but it may take some time. Besides, with Gus moving to Galveston, we need at least one friend in town.”

“You sure that should be me?”

Jon felt his smile widen. “Not really sure yet, but it’s a start. Besides, you gave me a chance at closure that I don’t think I could’ve tried for alone. I appreciate that and I’m sorry you were in the situation, to begin with.”

“Levi said it was karma. I did him dirty. He says we weren’t exactly dating, but the more I think about it, the more I think he wanted something more. Add that to the fact that I was married. It really got under his skin. He despises cheaters, and that I was cheating with him made him feel guilt that he should’ve never had to feel.”

“That’s on you, but you know that.” Jon paused. “I’m sorry, I’m being an ass.”

James laughed. “No worries. You’re just a little jealous and protective of Levi. I get it, but I know you don’t have anything to worry about. The way he looks at you, it’s obvious he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”

Jon felt his face flush.

“So Gus likes you? Levi said you were helping him move?”

“Yeah, we basically dumped the truck in the yard because Levi had to get back to town.”

“You must be a good egg. Gus never really liked me being around.”

“Well, maybe he knew something was fishy, or he didn’t like the way Levi was when you were together.”

“I guess that makes sense.” James sighed. “I was definitely an ass then, but I hope I’ve grown up some.”

Jon smirked. “I hope so too. I know what I’m asking won’t be easy for you or Levi, but I really hope we can all move past it.”

“Why do you care? You’ve got him now, and he’s got you.”

“I know, but I also know that in the last few months, I lost my family. I never really allowed myself to have friends I didn’t let in more than an arm’s length from my true self. Heaven knows Levi doesn’t have any friends other than Gus.” Jon dropped his head. “I feel like we both need some friends, and where better to start than someone who already has a history with Levi.”

James raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I’m pretty sure he was going to shoot me the other day.”

Jon smiled. “I think he’s already getting comfortable with you being around. At least as long as I am, and you behave yourself.”