“Uh-oh,” Wood said, whipping the scrambled eggs.
“I’m gonna kill the person who invented motherfuckin’ homophones,” Bishop barked. “It’s like the cruelest joke to a person that can’t spell. Or spells by how a word sounds.”
“I understand,” Trent said. “But you can’t be taking your irriation out on Edison, man. He’s a smart guy. Why won’t you let him help you if you’re struggling with some of the English?”
“I do. All the time. But when I don’t get something and he has to keep saying the same thing to me over and over… it… it makes me feel dumb.” Bishop shook his head. “I know Eddie would never think that about me. It’s my own personal shit I need to get over.”
“True,” Wood agreed.
“I know, I know.” Bishop waved him off. “I’ll fix it when he gets off work. But for now I’m just gonna hide over here with you guys. I was supposed to do a consult on a yard at eight, but the guy canceled, so I’m free for half the day. What’d you need help with, Wood?”
Wood set the plates of food in front of them, hoping what he had to say wouldn’t set Trent off again. “Adam’s family was able to get into our condo after the accident. They didn’t just take his stuff, they stored mine away too. Adam’s mother—god rest her soul—knew everything I’d gone through with my parents. That they’d abandoned me long ago. Anyway, long story short. One of Adam’s brothers owns a storage facility. All of my stuff is in there. He said my art, some furniture, clothes, jewelry, just about everything.”
“Wow,” Trent said, appearing shocked and relieved. “That’s great.”
Wood nodded slowly, a wide smile already forming. Trent stood and wrapped his arms around him. “I’m happy for you. I couldn’t imagine how I would’ve felt if Sil had gotten rid of all my records. I would’ve been devastated.”
Wood kissed Trent’s soft lips. “So, you’ll come help me.”
“You don’t even have to ask that.”
“I’m trying to enjoy my damn sandwich, and you guys are making me sick,” Bishop complained.
“Look away,” Trent said, before slanting his head and flicking his tongue across Wood’s lips, wanting entrance. He couldn’t stop the moan that escaped as he pulled Trent in closer and closer.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Trent
“Oh man. That’s him.” Bishop stared out the passenger window of their small U-Haul truck as Adam stood leaning against the bright orange garage door of storage forty-four. “He’s hot as fuck.”
“Shut the hell up, Bishop.” Trent shoved him roughly.
“I’m just saying.” Bishop continued gaping. “And the cane makes him look even hotter. Adam must’ve had some plastic surgery done or something, Wood, because there’s no way that guy is over fifty.”
“Oh he is,” Wood laughed, but the second Trent turned his angry glare in his direction, he smartly clamped his lips shut.
Trent stared at Wood’s ex as well, but not for the reasons everyone else was. He couldn’t care less about the man’s distinguished good looks and his nice clothes. Adam didn’t have Wood’s heart; he did. That’s all Trent needed to keep telling himself. Wood got out first and hurried around the front of the truck and gave Adam an extremely quick peck on his cheek.
Bishop put his hand on Trent’s shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze. “Please tell me you’re not going to beat up a guy that has a cane,” Bishop sighed.
“Look, man. Just because he has a handicap doesn’t mean he should be treated any differently. That’s not right. You know I believe in being an equal opportunity ass-kicker, Bishop.” Trent continued to watch the two exes exchange what he guessed were a few pleasantries. “So if he comes out of his mouth wrong again and I knock him on his ass, I’m actually being a nondiscriminatory person. That’s what’s most important these days, right?”
Bishop grimaced as he craned his head to the side. “I guess a person might could see your point if they squinted their eyes really hard.”
“Thanks, bro. I’ma be cool, don’t worry.” Trent smiled widely.
“This is going to be the fastest I’ve ever packed a U-Haul,” Bishop grumbled, getting out of the truck.
Wood
“I removed my things a while back, so this is all yours, babe. I wish my brothers could’ve got all your stuff, but my mother told them to focus on your art and personal things. Your bedroom furniture was massive, and the major appliances were left too. Jake, Leonard, and Cody did the best they could. But I checked. Every painting, drawing, award… it’s all in there.” Adam stared. “You were always my mom’s favorite. When I woke up, I wasn’t surprised she’d done what she did and made sure your things were safe.”
“It was more than generous for your mom and your brothers to let my things stay here all this time,” Wood said unbelievably. “Tell Jake I’d be happy to do a family portrait for him because I don’t have the money to pay these fees right now.”