Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 8

replacement bars Sam usually snacked on in place of real meals. Anything to avoid that knowing expression from his best friend. Were they really going to have that talk about Sammy?
    "You heard me. Are you avoiding him because there might be something there and you don't think you have a chance?"
    Devin latched onto the box of meal bars and pulled out the last three. He tossed the empty box into the recycle bin in the corner. "That's crazy," he said, turning to face Mike again. Devin leaned back against the counter.
    "You're right, it is crazy." Mike smiled and drank the last of the milk from the cereal bowl. "Because you know you have a chance. Sam's never said anything but he's... let's just say he's been biding his time." Michael paused to let that sink in. "The only reason we were talking about you at all is that he was about to give up. He finally realized all your little jokes about wanting me weren't just jokes. I told him that if he really wants to be with you, I'd clear the air with you and maybe you'd see reason." Mike shrugged. "I never thought you'd run away just because he flirted with you."
    "I didn't run away."
    "Sam said you ran out so fast, the breeze damn near knocked him out of his chair." Michael stood and walked the cereal bowl to the sink. Crossing his arms, he leaned onto the counter, settling next to Devin. "So you ran. Not a big deal. But you've had time to think about what you want since then. I know you. If you weren't at least a little interested, you would've just blown him off instead of running with your tail between your legs. I think you did it because you don't know how to handle seeing him that way. I get that. You can't treat Sam like those other guys. He's someone you can have actual, with-your-clothes-on feelings for. That takes some getting used to, but don't take too long. He's not going to wait forever for you to come around."
    "We're seriously talking about this. Sam has turned you into one of those guys."
    Mike smiled, not bothered by the assessment. "You're blind when it comes to relationships."
    "It's like a chick flick. Are you going to help me get ready for the prom next?"
    "Hey, you dress up however you want to," Mike said. "I get the feeling you and Sam are going to happen, no matter how much you sabotage it at first. He's pretty determined and you aren't smart enough to get away once he figures out you want him too."
    "Nice. Sometimes, I hate how blunt you are."
    "Whatever. That's what you love about me. Someone's got to beat you over the head with the truth." Leaning over, Mike bumped Devin's arm with his. "I know I'm not that good at matchmaking, but I think he could be right for you. He really likes you and, deep down, I know you feel more than you're letting on. And no, it's probably not my place to push you on this, but I'm tired of seeing you unhappy. Sam could change that. All you have to do is say the word."
    Before Dev could think of something to say, a fruitless denial came to mind, Sam breezed into the room and came right up to him. One corner of his mouth pulled up in a smile, he snatched one of his meal bars out of Devin's hand and peeled open the wrapper. He stuffed half the bar into his mouth and moaned.
    "God, I love chocolatey stuff that's good for you." He turned to lean against the counter, wedging Devin in between himself and Michael. "You guys look so serious. What'd I miss?" Sam stuffed the other half of the bar into his mouth and licked his lips.
    "Nothing, we're just getting ready to walk to the park," Devin said. Ignoring Michael's sigh, he asked, "Are you coming with us or are you waiting for Lee?"
    Sam frowned and swallowed before answering. "I didn't realize it had to be one or the other. I'll wait for Lee. We'll be right behind you."
    "Right." Devin lifted the two meal bars in his hand. "Thanks for these. I'll stop by the store after the game and get you another box." Before Sam could add anything else— and definitely before Mike could try to leave them together again— Devin headed for the living room to retrieve his gym bag. After Mike took an eternity to join him, they were finally out of the house and headed to the park, Mike wisely silent beside him. It was just as well. He could imagine his best friend lecturing him on his behavior well enough. The real thing couldn't be too much worse.
    ****
    Something about this picture was all wrong. It wasn't merely that Devin was sitting at the bar, alone. The team had come to Churchill's Pub