More Than A Suit: Ross by J. D. Walker

Author:J. D. Walker [Walker, J. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Gay & Lesbian
ISBN: 9781611246926
Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Tuesday at noon, my cell phone vibrated in my pocket while I was having lunch with my mentor, Chip Morgan, something we did once a week, according to his schedule. We were at the Cheesecake Factory, which was a ten-minute stroll from my building, and I was in the middle of a truly delicious macaroni and cheese burger. I looked at the screen. It was Rhys. It wasn't unusual to hear from him at this time of day, but for some reason, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I excused myself from the table and went outside.

"Rhys, what's up, buddy?"

"Dad's missing. When I left the house on Saturday to visit you, he was in the basement, passed out. Not unusual as you know. Then, when I got home that night, he was gone. Still not a big deal, right? But he hasn't been home, Ross. I don't mind being by myself, and Dad's awful, but I'm worried he's--"

"All right. Calm down." I took a deep breath. "How are you for food and money right now?"

"I'm good 'til Friday."

"Okay, buddy. Text me if he comes home, and I'll stop by after work."

"Thanks, Ross. I'm sorry you have to--"

"That's what brothers are for."

"Love you."

"Love you, too." He hung up.

I went back inside the restaurant.

"Everything okay, Ross?" Chip asked as I took my seat again.

"Not really, but it'll be fine, I hope." I took up my knife and fork to cut the huge burger in smaller, bitable pieces. "I may have to leave early today."

"If you have an emergency, you can leave right now."

I'd prefer that, but I didn't want to mess things up with the internship. "Wouldn't it look bad for me to--"

"Ross, look. You don't talk about your personal life much, and I respect that. If you need to go, go. EnerGen isn't going to rescind the offer of a job over this. Do what you have to do. We can catch up on stuff later. And if you need more time, take it. Just let me know, okay?"

"I appreciate that, Chip. I'd like to go now. I'll keep you posted, okay? I'll have my laptop with me, as usual, and my cell phone, if you need to contact me."

"Fine."

"Thanks." I stood. "Sorry about lunch."

"No sweat. Go on, already." He shooed me on my way.

I spotted Lee in one of the parks near the building. "Lee!" I called. He looked up and waved. I jogged over to where he sat.

"What's wrong? You look worried." He touched the back of my hand briefly.

"Rhys just called to tell me Dad has been missing for a couple of days."

"No! Is Rhys all right? How did he sound?"

"He was mostly calm, though a little worried about where Dad could be. It's a wonder he has any feelings left for the man after all he's done."

"Rhys is amazing. So are you, by the way." He actually blushed when he said that, which I'd never seen him do before.

"I'm gonna have to cancel our trivia night at Throwbacks, sorry.

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