Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 3

like shit." A fierce look washed over Ethan's face, and Jude wanted to hug him for it. "I don't know why you stayed with him for so long. He's a card-carrying asshole."
    Jude shrugged. "He has problems. Maybe I thought I could fix them."
    "Yeah. Problems like calling you a fucking faggot at the top of his lungs, in the middle of a crowded bowling alley."
    "I know he's a dick, okay?" Jude caught himself snapping and backed down. "Sorry, bro. Just...let me finish the story. Then you can tell me what a moron I am."
    Ethan's features softened. "You're not stupid," he said. "And I'm sorry. It's Mike that pisses me off, not you."
    "Thanks." Jude drew in a breath and exhaled slowly. "So, there was the fact that he ignored me at best when we were around other people. I'm done with that for good. If I ever date again, it's going to be someone who's out and proud." He stirred the fire idly, though it didn't need the prodding. "Even around his people, who I've met exactly twice in three years. He's got this huge redneck family—no offense."
    Ethan made a noise that might've been a cough. "None taken. My family's worse. They're fundamentalists."
    "And you have my pity for that." Jude managed a smile. "Anyway, his family didn't seem impressed with me. Maybe because he told them I was a professional drunk, and his boss made him socialize with me because I was working on a project for them, and they wanted to keep me happy." He scowled into the flames. "He doesn't know I heard him saying that shit."
    "Damn," Ethan said. "And I didn't think he could get any lower."
    "Unfortunately, that's not the worst of it." He paused for another drink. This was the unbelievable part, the one he'd kicked himself over and over again for not noticing. But his ex had hidden it well. "Mike has a lot of secrets," he said. "One of them is a nasty little coke habit."
    Ethan, who'd been drinking his beer, started coughing and spluttering. "Cocaine?" he said when he'd caught his breath.
    "Yeah. The white stuff." Jude drew his knees to his chest. "I'd left my phone charger at his place, so I went over to get it. Which, of course, I wasn't supposed to do. He didn't like me coming over there, especially unannounced—it was almost always my place, or a cheap hotel." His hands clenched into fists. "The son of a bitch had powdered nostrils when he answered the door. He was pissed. I pushed past him and went into the bathroom, since I'd plugged my phone in there. And his junk was still laid out on the counter. White mound, razor blade, tube, the works."
    "Jesus." Ethan stared at him. "What'd you do?"
    "I told him we were through. He said we weren't, and if I tried to cut him off, he'd kill me. I said I never wanted to see him again—and he came after me. I only got out because he was too high to catch me." He made a gesture toward the tent, where he'd stowed the backpack with the gun right near the entrance. "I got that after I kept seeing him hanging around. Sometimes alone, sometimes with a couple of his big muscle-headed cousins. I don't know what he's planning, but I'm not taking any chances."
    Neither of them spoke for a few minutes. Eventually, Ethan said, "Maybe you should call the cops."
    He snorted. "And tell them what? That my ex-boyfriend keeps looking at me funny?"
    "Tell them about the coke."
    Jude shook his head. "His family would jump me if I brought the cops into it. And besides, they'd never catch him. I'm just going to have to deal with the bastard myself."
    "What if he shows up here?"
    "He won't." Jude paused. "I think."
    Ethan frowned at him. "You think?"
    "I told my team that I was going on vacation, but I didn't elaborate. The only one who knows where we're going—well, were going, is Nikki. She's the admin, so she has to be able to get in touch if there's an emergency." He gave a weak laugh. "If I'm not back in a week, she'll probably send the Army or something to find me."
    "Well, that's comforting. I guess."
    "Yeah." Jude forced his body to relax and drained the rest of his beer. "I'm getting a refill. You want one?"
    "Sure," Ethan said faintly, staring off into the distance.
    Jude stood and headed back for the cooler, trying to slough off the memories as he walked. He'd come out here to put Mike behind him, damn it—and stranded with a busted truck or not, that was exactly what he intended to do.
    CHAPTER 4
    If I ever date again, it's going to be someone who's out and proud.
    The words raced through Ethan's head, mocking him. Not