The Chase

“At least when I wanted to get somewhere in Manhattan, I could find a different route. This place… If the freeway is jacked, you’re screwed.”

Beck simply grunted and stared out the window.

“Something else bugging you, man?”

“Besides you being a neat freak?” the surgeon quipped. “I was just thinking now that we’re not fighting anymore, it hasn’t been so bad between us.”

This was one time he didn’t hate Beck being right. They weren’t on solid ground with Heavenly, but if they could persuade her to stay, Seth knew he’d have to work through some of his lingering shit. Until he’d met these two, he’d never pictured himself in a ménage of any kind, much less a permanent one. Now he hated picturing his life without them.

“Given all the heavy shit we’ve been through these past few days, it’s kind of amazing we didn’t come to blows.”

Beck gave him a sober nod. “Sex aside, do you think we really got through to her last night? She was so damn quiet on the flight home.”

“Was she or did we just fall asleep?”

“That might have had something to do with it.” The doctor sent him a self-deprecating grin.

“She came back with us, which is great, but she still has a shitload of pride.”

“And a long stubborn streak, I know. But I’m hopeful she’s finally learned to ask us for help if she needs it.”

Seth hoped as much, too. “My biggest worry is those promises she made to Abel. They’re the real reason she left us.”

Beck nodded. “We just have to keep reminding her that, above all else, her dad wanted her to be happy.”

“I agree, but we also have to give her some adventure.”

“Hey, I persuaded her to bungee off a bridge with me. It doesn’t get much more adventurous than that.”

“I also heard you made her puke, too,” Seth returned wryly. “But that’s not what I meant.”

“I know. You’re talking about her ‘seeing the world.’ As much as you hate it, man, that means giving her some freedom.”

“I’ve been thinking… I might have a way around that while still addressing her daddy guilt. Wanna hear?”