Coda 03 -The Letter Z

was a selfish asshole and Zach was a spineless pushover?”

    He grinned at me sheepishly. “When you say it that way, you make me sound like an asshole.”
    “Is there a way to say it so you don’t sound like an asshole?” He laughed, just a little. “Point taken.”
    “You’re not giving either one of them enough credit. Our way works for us, but it’s not the only way. I can’t say I understand their arrangement. Hell, I don’t even know exactly what their arrangement is. But….” I shrugged. “You and I don’t have to understand it, Jared. They’re happy together. That’s all that matters.”
    He was quiet for a moment, but then he said softly, “You’re right.” “I think you should apologize to Angelo.”
“I know.”
“Before we leave.”
He rolled his eyes at me. “ I know. Where do you think he went?”
    “There are only two possibilities, and we’re already at one of them. Where does that leave?”
    “The gallery?”
“I’d bet money on it.” I tugged on one of his curls. “Say it again.”
    He looked at me sideways, a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. “You’re a manipulative bastard.”

    “That’s not it.”

    He turned to me and put one arm my waist. “You’re right,” he said.
    His eyes were sparkling as he looked up at me. “You know what else?” “What?”
“I do cheat.”
“Every time?”
“Every time.”

…Angelo
    G UESS I shoulda seen it comin’. Jared’s had me in his sights ever since New Year’s. Still, why’s it gotta be now?
    It’s been a great mornin’, mostly ’cause I had such a great night. After the club, we’d gone back to the room, and Zach took me to bed and whispered in my ear, “Anything you want, angel.” And for only the second time ever, I was the one pushin’ him onto his stomach, and afterward I went to sleep right there with him, not in the other bed, and that bird in my chest didn’t make a peep.
    Can’t really explain it, but I know now we’re gonna make it. I know for sure we’re really meant to be. Sounds silly, but it’s true. And I never felt happier.
    So I’m havin’ a great mornin’ with Matt, and if I’m a little embarrassed ’bout that big fuckin’ hickey on my neck, well, it’s not like there’s anything I can do ’bout it. So I put up with him teasin’ me. And when Zach and Jared show up, Zach puts his arm ’round my neck and whispers in my ear, “I’ve been thinking about you all morning.” The only reason I don’t turn ’round and kiss him right then and there is ’cause I know Matt and Jared will get all flustered and embarrassed again.
    Then outta the fuckin’ blue Jared opens his big mouth and asks ’bout that hickey. And I know Zach’s not even thinkin’ when he answers him. Who woulda thought Jared would take him seriously anyway, even if he was tellin’ the truth?
    And then before I even know what the fuck’s goin’ on, Jared just tears into me.
    His words hurt, ’cause he’s sayin’ exactly what I been thinkin’. But part of me is just pissed. And I’m not sure which way to go. I’m not stupid. I know if I make a move toward Jared, I’ll have to deal with Matt. I don’t wanna fuck things up with him too. So I’m tryin’ to just breathe deep and keep cool.
    Zach’s arms tighten ’round me, and his voice in my ear says, “Don’t you dare listen to him, angel. He doesn’t know a thing about us. I’ll make sure he knows it too. But I don’t want you to do anything, okay? I want you to trust me. Just walk away, and I’ll be right behind you.” The truth is I can’t believe how relieved I am to hear him say that. I can’t believe how good it feels to know I don’t have to deal with Jared. ’Cause I’m just so tired of fightin’. “Can I let go?” he asks, and I nod.
    His arms ’round me loosen. I stay there for a second. I want to thank him, but this isn’t the time. I don’t look at Jared. I can’t look at Matt either. I just walk away.
    Zach calls only a few minutes later, and I tell him I’m headed for the gallery. I only beat him there by a minute or two. The gallery has little benches all ’round, and I sit on one where I can see the picture I like. He comes in and sits next to me, straddling the bench so I’m between his legs.
    He leans close so he can talk quiet and still have me hear him. “I’m so sorry, Ang.”
    That surprises me. “For what?”
“That was my fault—”
“It wasn’t, Zach. No reason for you to