Chapter 3: Chapter 3

“No, to me. But with stipulations. So…” Ted glanced at the door. “I have a lot of work to do.”

“Shit. Right, sorry.” Ryan stood again. “I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Thanks for stopping by,” Ted made himself say.

Ryan smiled like he knew it was an act. He turned, looking strangely comfortable in the tweed blazer he liked to wear to work now the weather had gotten chilly. Born to be a professor—or a research nerd. He paused by the door.

Ted followed the tilt of Ryan’s head to find what had caught his attention. The whiskey decanter. Empty. One glass turned upward, obviously dirty.

Ted cleared his throat, face flushing hot.

Ryan turned back. “I know we haven’t been close since, like high school. But maybe we could go out sometime. To memorialize or celebrate or catch up, or whatever? This weekend?”

“Too hard to say, just now.” Ted kept his face still, his voice level.

Ryan nodded. “Well, you know where to find me. I’d love to, though.”