An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(103)

“I didn’t tell Rob that Alex was coming. I don’t think that would have gone over well at all.”

“Ah. But Jarod knew?”

“Yeah, I spoke with him before we left. It worked out well, because Rob had an idea about getting together with some people from the club, so Jarod took them up to his apartment.”

Leo raised his glass and tipped it in Vic’s direction. “You’re sneaky. It’s a quality I appreciate.”

Vic shrugged. “Rob is my life. I could no more ignore what was happening to him than I’m sure you could for Alex.”

“You’re right. When I talked with Alex, he drew in on himself. I couldn’t let that happen. If he’d insisted that he wouldn’t see Rob, I would have sided with him. As much as I wanted him to be able to let go of the pain he’s been carrying around, I would shield him from it if I thought he might be hurt again.”

“Rob won’t hurt him,” Vic swore. “He’s been torn up inside for years over this. It’s been his own personal hell for the longest time. Then to find out that Alex knew he wasn’t responsible? That crushed him.”

Leo shook his head slowly. “I have to admit, after dealing with Rob’s machinations, I never thought he’d grow up. I thought Alex was better off without having that kind of toxicity in his life. Even if this becomes a knockdown, drag-out match between the two of them, at least it’s all out in the open now.”

Vic glanced at his phone. It had been an hour since Alex had taken the lift to Jarod’s apartment, and Vic desperately wanted to know what was going on. He could only hope the two of them hadn’t become embroiled into a fight, because there wouldn’t be anyone there to stop it.

Jarod stopped by their table, and Vic jumped at the opportunity. “Any idea how it’s going up there? I admit, I’m nervous.”

“They’re fine, trust me. Mother and Maxwell are both nearby in case things get out of hand. Believe me when I say they needed this.”

Leo sighed, obviously relieved to hear it. “Thank you, Jarod. How did you convince your mother to babysit those two?”

Jarod laughed. “She’s a born snoop. She would have been doing her best to listen in regardless. I had to leave the door ajar so she could hear, though. I spoke with her a few minutes ago. She says they’re talking. No shouting, no hitting. She thinks there might have been some tears shed, but she also heard them laugh once or twice.”

Vic breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s my boy,” Leo whispered. “He never fails to make me proud.”

Jarod poured Vic and Leo another round of club soda. “This is on me,” he said. He turned to Vic. “May I say something, sir?”

“Of course.”

Jarod fiddled with the cuff on his jacket. “Rob’s nothing like I thought he would be. After Alex told me about the things he’d done, I disliked him. I wasn’t sure I could ever not be angry for him on Alex’s behalf. But I can tell he’s a good man. He just needed the right person to bring it out.”

Vic cleared his throat. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“What does?” came Rob’s voice from behind.

Vic turned and grabbed Rob’s wrist. He tugged him in close and scanned Rob’s face for some clue as to his emotional state, but all seemed calm. “Everything okay?”

Rob cast a glance over at Alex, who was in Leo’s arms. “It’s a work in progress,” Rob said softly. “I have a lot to make up for, and one conversation isn’t going to fix things. At least he’s willing to give me the chance to make amends.”

Vic’s heart swelled. “I am so proud of you. I guess you could say you’ve finally found yourself.”

Rob frowned. “No, I haven’t. That’s a lifetime journey, and it’s one you’re going to be with me the whole way.” He leaned closer and kissed Vic on the lips. “I love you.”

Vic nuzzled Rob’s neck. “Love you too.”

“We should get going,” Leo said. “It’s a long way home.”

“You could spend the night at our place,” Vic offered. “There’s a guest room that you’re more than welcome to use.”

“Your offer is appreciated, but maybe another time. Alex has earned himself a reward, and I want to take him home so he can get it.”

Alex’s eyes lit up. “A reward?”

Leo leaned in and whispered something in Alex’s ear. A blush crept over Alex’s cheeks.

“Yeah, okay, we have to go now.” He turned and held out a hand to Vic. “Thank you for what you’re doing for Rob. And what you’ve done for us.”

“It’s mostly selfish,” Vic admitted. “I want Rob happy.”

When Alex opened his arms and Rob stepped into them, Vic couldn’t have been prouder.

“You think you might want to come see me sometime?” Alex asked.

Rob pretended to think about it, until Alex whacked him on the arm. “Ouch! Okay! I have a pass to get there by train. As long as Vic says it’s okay—”

Vic snorted. “Okay, hold it. Since when do I have a say in things?”

Rob laughed. “We’ll talk about it.”

“Dad and I are going to be having lunch next week. Think you might be able to make it?”