Leaving Home by Chase, A. (life books to read .txt) 📗

You’ll fly to a private rehab centre and check

yourself in. They have a room ready for you. I’ll talk to your bosses, and see what we can do about salvaging your job.”

Chaz checked to make sure he had his wallet and phone. “Will I be allowed phone calls

or visitors?”

“I’m not sure, but the one stipulation I’m making is that you don’t try to contact Peter

the entire time you’re at the centre. It’s important for both of you to heal without the baggage of the past. I’ll get a hold of Matthew, and let him know where you are. He will be the liaison between us. Only when I think the time is right will I tell you how to get a hold of Peter. Do we have a deal?”

Les held out his hand, and Chaz stared at it for a moment. Once he shook Les’ hand, the

deal would be sealed, ensuring Chaz couldn’t go back on his word. Not that Chaz wanted to do so or anything like that, but he knew this journey might be the hardest he’d ever taken before. Yet he’d have Matthew, and, for now, that had to be enough. He could keep the

possibility of eventually getting to see Peter again as a goal to motivate him, though he understood getting clean had to be the ultimate prize.

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LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 142

He shook Les’ hand. “We have a deal. I’m going to get it right this time, Les. I want my

life back. If this is the only way for me to do it, then I welcome the challenge.”

“Good. Follow me. The taxi is around front.”

They walked to the front of the hospital where a taxi idled at the kerb. Les opened the

back door, and Chaz slid in. There wasn’t any time for doubt or second-guessing. He had to do this for himself first, and all those he loved second.

“I’ll send some of your clothes to you at the centre.” Les smiled. “You’re doing the right thing, Chaz. Trust me, this will all work out in the end.”

Chaz wasn’t totally convinced it would. What if Peter never wanted to talk to or see

him again? What if he couldn’t get his job back? Chaz let Les shut the door before he leaned his head against the window.

As the hospital slowly disappeared from view, Chaz pressed his hand to the glass.

“Goodbye, Peter. I love you. Hopefully we’ll both be healed when I see you next.”

* * * *

Les strolled into the cafeteria before spotting Tony, Brody and Randy sitting at a table

near the window. After buying a cup of coffee, he joined them. He touched Randy’s hand,

and smiled at the others.

“Did he agree?” Randy asked, reaching out to stroke his fingers over Les’ hand.

“Yes. He’s on his way to the airport where Thompson will take charge of him. They’ll

fly to the centre today, and hopefully things will turn out all right.”

“I can’t believe you’re going to all this trouble for a man who doesn’t deserve our help.”

Tony glared at Les.

“First of all, who’s with Peter?” Les glanced at them.

“Yancey volunteered to take the first shift. I think he figured out we needed to talk.

Derek and Max will arrive this afternoon as well. I told them they could stay with us.” Randy took a sip of his coffee.

“Les, why are you paying for his rehab? Why didn’t you just tell him never to show his

face around here again? I have to see Chaz’s boss and tell him what happened here.” Tony

fidgeted with his mug.

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LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 143

Les’ smile was soft as he looked at Tony. “I’m doing this because they love each other,

and I believe love deserves a second chance. Chaz needs help, Tony. What kind of man

would I be if I turned my back on him? If I don’t offer him a hand, he could end up worse off than he is now. Living on the streets and dying of an overdose or murdered by some other

druggie. I refuse to let that happen to a man I consider a friend.”

Tony ducked his head, and Brody ran his hand down Tony’s back.

“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing, Les. We might think Peter

needs to stay as far away from Chaz as possible, but I’ve seen how they look at each other.

It’s how I look at Tony, or how Randy looks at you. What they have is true love, and it

doesn’t die easily, if ever.” Brody shrugged when Tony glanced at him. “Sorry, babe. I really believe Les’ plan is the right one.”

“I told Chaz to go to the centre, and that I’d talk to his boss about his job. Once he’s

released from rehab, he has to stay clean for at least another six months before I’ll even consider letting him close to Peter. Once he convinces me he’s turned his life around, and if he’s still interested in seeing Peter, I’ll let him.” Les pursed his lips for a moment before going on. “I hate playing God like this, but, while I might believe Chaz and Peter belong together, I’m not willing to risk Peter getting hurt again. That’s why Chaz has to prove he’s clean.”

Tony sighed. “I won’t say anything about this to Peter or anyone else. It’s your decision and, since I respect you, I should trust that you know what you’re doing. Also, you’re right.

Peter loves Chaz, and I’m sure Chaz loves him. It just pisses me off that he would work

events stoned like that. Didn’t he know how dangerous it was?”

“He did know, but he also knew how dangerous it would be for them if he wasn’t there.

Even stoned and injured, Chaz is one of the best bullfighters out there.” Les leaned over to tap Tony’s hand, bringing Tony’s gaze to his. “You have every right to be pissed off, Tony.

We all do for various reasons, but we can’t allow our anger to interfere with Peter’s recovery.

When you get home, rant and