Memory by L.J. Breedlove

Author:L.J. Breedlove
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, college campus, university newsroom, new adult suspense, romantic suspense, LGBT, friendship
Publisher: L.J. Breedlove
Published: 2021-12-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

7 P.M., TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021, Matthews’ home in SE Portland — The editors’ meeting had been downright boring — thank God, Ryan thought with amusement. He appeared to have gotten himself out of the housing loop, also thankfully. Then he had gone for a long run with Cage, during which they said absolutely nothing of importance, and it had been extremely therapeutic for them both.

“Tomorrow?” Cage said as he started to leave.

Ryan nodded. “Earlier? I have class at 6:30 p.m.”

“Or shorter,” Cage agreed.

He took a shower and dressed in clean clothes — and nothing black. A pair of blue jeans and a band T-shirt from his Loft days — a highly coveted, vintage, Pink Martini T-shirt. Not that he thought the McShanes would be impressed, or even know of them. But it soothed him somehow to wear it.

So, there was pizza, and yes, some of it had pineapple on it. He always offered to share, mostly just to see the repulsed expressions. It made him laugh.

“Nice T-shirt,” Andrew McShane said. “We saw them in concert just before COVID hit. One of the things I did miss this last year was music.”

Never assume, Ryan thought. And then laughed again as he thought about the other things Andrew McShane missed.

So, everyone had more of the punch Teresa seemed to keep stocked these days and found their favorite seats in the living room. The McShanes were on the couch, Andrew’s arm was around Abigail. Teresa in the over-stuffed chair, while Ryan sat at her feet, leaning against her legs.

“I have something to show you,” Ryan said slowly. He pulled up the photograph on his phone. He showed it to Teresa and then scooted over to let the McShanes look. “Someone spotted me dancing last night and took a picture. Apparently, I’m once again the main gossip in student government. Cinder came to the newsroom to give them a heads up, which resulted in a big yawn, I gather. But she called me and then sent me this.”

“Are you upset by it?” Abigail asked. “It seems a bit stalker-like.”

“Cinder thinks student government is so warped by a combination of things that we’re just going to have to outlast them — and prevent new students from absorbing that culture. I wish her luck,” Ryan said with an eyeroll. “But she said Planck suggested to her a sexual identity symposium fall term, co-sponsored by the Student Senate and EWN. I sent her to Will, gave her a few tips on how she might approach it. I see your fingerprints all over that, sir.”

Andrew McShane laughed. “It may have come up,” he admitted. “But the photo? What strikes you about it?”

“Abigail?” Ryan directed the question her direction.

She smiled. “It could have been you five years ago, couldn’t it? I wouldn’t have thought you’ve aged at all until I saw that. But that is definitely a younger you.”

Teresa was playing with his hair, almost absent-mindedly, and he moved toward her hand. It felt good. Anchoring.

“It feels

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