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The fantasies are over.

It’s time for me to wake up.

CHAPTER TWO

Hayden

I drive through the city, stunned at the luxury, the casual wealth, the beauty of it. It feels like home as I twist my neck from side to side, remembering the prison, the shouting, all the shit.

But it’s over now.

The hostages were ransomed. When nobody offered to pay my ransom – it was difficult since I’d given the kidnappers a false name and wouldn’t provide them any contact details – they threatened to execute me.

I think they were going to, but one morning, I spotted the gate unlatched as they walked me from one hut to another.

After that…

It was hell, the escape, the hiding, the fear.

But I’m home – time to write the story and do what I always do.

Move on.

The drive feels welcomingly familiar as I cross the city heading toward the ‘burbs. My apartment is in the city, but Graham moved out here when he and Janine had Lila.

I’ve spoken with Graham a few times these past two-and-then-some years, but only briefly when I was certain it wouldn’t compromise my work. Mostly I focused on making connections and trying not to get killed.

The street looks incredibly mundane.

I find myself smirking in appreciation at the picket fences and the bikes in the yard. The sun’s setting, casting an orange glow over everything. I truly am happy to be home.

In the car outside, I pause, wondering if I should’ve brought something. Maybe I could’ve picked out something for the girls too. Lila’s studying psychology, Graham said. Maybe I could’ve bought her a book.

And for Hallie?

I don’t remember much about her, except that her braces were very large, and she seemed self-conscious about them. She was a girl when I left, seventeen, always tinkering on her laptop.

Not that I saw her or Lila much, just here and there when I was meeting up with Graham.

Climbing from the car, I think about Graham, my oldest friend. I think one of my earliest memories is of Graham throwing something at me, a piece of Lego, and then the two of us wrestling like little madmen.

We must’ve been three or four at the time. Our parents were friends before….

Pushing dark thoughts away, I knock on the door and try my best to smile. It’s not that I’m not happy to see my friend – I obviously am – but I’ve been told many times I’ve got a resting douche face.

I don’t normally give a damn. Let people think I’m in a bad mood with them.

But not Graham.

He swings the door open and grins up at me. I didn’t realize how much I missed my friend until I see him in person, and now I don’t have to try and smile.

I smile and step forward, pulling him into a hug.

“Hello, old man,” I say, clapping him on the back.

He chuckles and claps me in return. It’s a tired joke, not very funny, about the fact he’s three months older than me. But it’s one I tell anyway.

“It’s good to see you,” Graham says, stepping away.

“And you,” I say, nodding.

“Drink?”

“Just water’s fine,” I tell him. “Thanks.”

He walks ahead of me, guiding me to the kitchen, though I know the way. Janine is standing at the sink, washing off some dishes.

She turns when she hears us and smiles widely, walking across the room and pulling me down into a hug.

“Maybe now my husband can finally get some sleep, hmm?” she jokes. “He was so worried about you.”

The latter sentence is more serious. I nod.

“It was a tough situation. But I’m home now. No harm done.”

“Were you scared?” Janine asks.

I laugh gruffly. “I’d have to be a psychopath not to be.”

They exchange a glance at that, something passing between them. It’s classic Janine and Graham, the way they silently communicate. They’re the most in-love couple I’ve ever seen, and it just makes it better that they’re compatible too.

I wonder if I’ll ever have that relationship with a woman.

Then I let the idea go.

I’ve stopped trying.

I focus on my work, traveling, and writing.

Even if there’s a voice whispering, telling me to start a family….

But with who?

I won’t start a relationship with a woman just because I’d like some kids one day. I’m forty-five. Maybe it’s the fifty bashing down my door, turning my thoughts to family.

But no woman has ever made me feel it…what Graham clearly feels like, every single moment, for his wife.

“Do you want to say hello to the girls?” Graham asks.

I tell him yes, mostly because I know he wants me to say hello to them. I remember feeling awkward when he’d drag me up to their rooms because I could tell we were all doing it for Graham’s benefit. But maybe that’s just me being a grumpy asshole.

That’s why it’s good to have Graham as a friend. He’s so upbeat sometimes it drives me insane. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.


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