Chris then understood. His affair with Evan had been discovered and he knew Jason was the one. He decided to leave, before Hunter found out and killed him right then and there. Without a word Chris got up and left. It was all he could really do.
While that was happening, Shawn apologized to the others, but asked the politely to leave. Kelly and Maria took Wade, as they lived in the same building. Barrett had hoped to stay, but left to be polite. He knew that would look better to his new boss. Cody and Ted left quietly as well. Everyone understood and told Shawn not to worry about it. They just hoped Adam would be alright. They had never seen the usually composed doctor so angry. One thing Shawn knew too, unlike most girls, his nurses would not gossip, because he did not allow it. People had been fired for it, more than once.
Jason stood, "I'm going too. He won't talk to me now. You know how he is, I'm more useful after he calms down. I'll be home if he wants me," he left before Shawn could question him. Jay was right though, Adam always depended on his brother after the crisis, never during.
Shawn moved to go to Adam's apartment. Bret stopped him, "Let me, we talk well together. Besides, I think Hunter is going to blow, only you can fix that mess," the fireman spoke softly as he nodded towards a fuming Hunter, who was cleaning up.
"Alright. But, call if you need me. Adam can be... delicate and difficult. Let him lead..." Shawn gave the man the advice he'd learned after years of dealing with the Copeland brothers. Bret nodded and went up the stairs.
When Bret went to knock on the door, it swung open, it hadn't quite caught in the latch. He went into the dark apartment. He could hear racking sobs coming from the bed in the far corner. He shut the door and moved towards the bed.
Adam felt the bed dip, "Go away, Shawn. Just please... go away," the voice sounded so... broken.
"It's not Shawn, it's Bret. Shawn has to do damage control on his dishes. Hunter." Bret spoke softly. He hesitated then put his hand on Adam's back and began to rub. He was startled at first, Adam's skin was bare. He must have pulled his t-shirt off. The doctor's skin was soft and warm.
"Well, then Bret, leave. Please," Adam said with another sob. He was oblivious to the hand on his skin.
"Nope. I'm not leaving you alone. You don't have to talk, but I don't abandon my friends. You never walked out on me, so I'm here," Bret spoke softly but firmly. Many times over the last two weeks, Bret had tried to push Adam away when he was sobbing about Davy. Adam never left and in the end he was thankful the blond had been so stubborn. It was time for him to repay Adam's unwavering friendship.
Bret spent the next two hours, sitting on Adam's bed, gently stroking his back and listening to the young doctor's heart wrenching sobs. He saw the phone lying there, but he resisted picking it up. It had vibrated at least fifty times. He figured it had to be Jericho.
Without a word, Adam pushed the phone towards the firefighter. It was his way of telling Bret to look at it. Adam knew Bret got the message when the hand left his back. He waited for the Captain's reaction. Bret picked up the phone, the pictures were still open, his heart broke and his mind angered as he looked at the images. He had fallen for Jericho's lies and that angered him more than anything.
He sighed deeply, "I'm just, I honestly don't know what to say. I'm sorry seems so... weak. I don't understand him, I really don't," Bret said hesitantly. He really didn't know what to think, let alone say.
Adam rolled over on his back, his eyes shone with tears as the moonlight streamed in through the window. The silvery light also reflected the wetness on his cheeks. "I wasn't good enough, I guess. That has to be why. I'm just not good enough for him. I just, wish I hadn't... fallen in... love with him. Oh Chris, why? Why?" Adam rolled back over on to his belly and began the sobs with renewed vigor.
Bret remained silent, anything he said now would be lost. He could wait to speak, and set Adam to rights. It was Jericho who wasn't good enough for Adam. He resumed rubbing Adam's bare back.
"Turn. It. Off." Adam said after the phone vibrated once again. As Bret picked up the phone it registered eighty-three missed calls, all from the same ID; LION. He knew that was Jericho's pet name from Adam.
Eventually the sobbing stopped. Bret got up and went to the bathroom. He returned with a warm, damp wash cloth and towel. Bret got Adam to sit up. He gently washed the doctor's face like he was a little boy. After drying Adam's face, he put the wash cloth and towel on the floor.
"Thanks, I feel like a child. Why wasn't I good enough for him? Why?" Adam asked as the sobs began again, he buried his head in his hands.
Bret hugged Adam to him, "listen Sugar, it's Chris that isn't good enough for you! No man in his right mind who had you, would cheat on you. I know you don't want to hear this now, but it's better to find out now, than after the wedding," his words were sincere. Bret just hoped they penetrated somewhere in Adam's brain.
Adam looked up at Bret with desperate eyes, "Stop, please stop being so sensible..." his words trailed off into more sobs as his hand once again covered his face. He leaned into Bret's embrace.
Bret held Adam close, "But you know, it's true. How would you have felt if you saw those pictures on your honeymoon? I don't, for some reason Chris just isn't ready to settle down. If he had been, you would have set a date by now. It's not you; he's the one with the problem," again the firefighter spoke with wisdom.
Adam heard everything Bret said, he knew inside, the man made perfect sense. He didn't want it to. He was the one that wasn't good enough. "But, if I had been, good enough, he wouldn't, have needed, to cheat," Adam whimpered through the sobs as his body trembled.
Bret pulled Adam in even closer, "You are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. Davy was handsome, but you are beautiful inside and out. Chris Jericho is a fucking fool, if... I would treat you like... treasure," the words that poured out shocked their owner more than the blond in his arms. Hart had no idea he felt that way. It scared him a bit.
Adam sniffed deeply, he looked at Bret," No, I'm not. Chris wouldn't, if I was, what... you say. It has to be my fault. Has to... be me" he laid his head on Bret's shoulder. It felt so good to be in the strong, life saving arms.
"Sugar, nothing I say now is going to make you see reason. You just get it all out, then you'll be ready to listen. I will be right here," Bret said openly and honestly.
Adam's head nodded against his chest. Hart could tell the tears were still falling, it was going to be a long night. It didn't matter, he'd be there for Adam.
Meanwhile, over at the Helmsley house, Shawn was having to keep a tight reign on his husband.
"I'll kill that fucking bastard. Shawn, I'm going over to Jericho's and don't try to stop me..." Hunter moved to put on his jacket and pick up his keys.
"Hunter Hearst Helmsley, if you walk out that door, just keep walking till you reach the divorce court. I mean it..." Shawn was interrupted by the telephone. Because of their jobs, he had to answer, it could be the hospital, or even a patient.
"Helmsley residence... oh... yes... I don't know... yes... I wouldn't... just give it time... I'll try but I won't promise... not happy... alright... I will... bye," Shawn hung up the phone with a sigh.
"That was Jerkicho wasn't it?" Hunter asked in a furious tone. He'd moved to sit down on the couch in the den where they had talked.
"Yes it was. He said he's called Adam over eighty times, but he won't answer. I told him to give it time. He asked if I'd get Adam to talk to him. I told him I'd try. He asked how you were, I told him, not happy. He said to say he was sorry. That was it," Shawn said honestly. He'd never lied or hid anything from Hunter in all their time together.
"I want to know what was on that cell phone. It had to be worse than kissing. Why Shawnnie? Why would he hurt our boy so badly?" Hunter's anger had changed to sad confusion.
Shawn laid his head on Hunter's shoulder, "I don't know Trips, I really don't know. I will say this, but do not tell Adam. Jay sent the first picture, so I assume he sent the other. I think he knows more than he's saying now. I need to talk to him, hopefully in the morning," Shawn said with a tired sigh.
"Jay wouldn't hurt his brother without a good reason, that I'm sure of. Think Buddy is making any progress? You know, Wade might be good for Adam, at least they have more in common. Let's go to bed, it's going to be a long day tomorrow," Hunter said as he stood up, he reached his hand out to his spouse. Shawn stood, they would work through it all tomorrow. He followed his husband up to their bedroom. This was far from over. He just hoped they all survived.
Bret still had Adam in his arms. He was leaning up against the headboard of Adam's bed. Adam's head was on his shoulder, at some point the crying had stopped and the doctor had drifted off to sleep. Bret decided not to move, Adam would need all the rest he could get. The Fireman's mind was racing. He just hoped in the morning Adam would more prone to listening to him.
Adam could feel the morning sun, it was warm on his bare shoulder, and if he opened his eyes he knew he would be blinded. He turned his head, he realized he was pressed up against someone. He heard low, grumbling snores that sounded more like a hibernating bear than a human. He knew it wasn't Chris.
Oh, Chris. Everything came screaming back into his brain. Those pictures, his Lion and that, little drummer boy, pants down, in the throes of passion. No, NO!
"NO!" Adam's voice finally caught up with the thoughts in his brain. He cried out in his half awake, half asleep state.
Bret started at Adam's cry, at some point he'd finally fallen asleep himself. "Hey now, easy, be easy. I'm still here, you're okay," he said softly as he stroked Adam's blond head softly.
"Bear, you sound like a bear," Adam said with a sleepy smack of his lips. It was obvious the doctor wasn't fully awake.
Bret chuckled softly, he'd never been compared to a bear before, he liked it, it was cute the way Adam had said it. They both drifted off to sleep again.
An hour later, Bret was fully awakened by Adam crying out in his sleep again. It tore at his heart.
"No Chrissy, please. I'll try harder. I love you. Please Chris. No, no, NO!" Adam sat up like a bolt of lightning had struck him, he was panting and sweating.
Hart sat up as well, he pulled the upset man into his arms, "it will be alright. I promise, it will be alright," he calmly stroked Adam's hair, down his back and up again. The action slowly calmed the doctor again.
"It will never be alright. I've lost my Lion to a... a whore. Why would it be alright?" Adam's tone was turning from grief to anger.
Bret knew what Adam was going through was akin to a death, meaning Adam would go through the same stages of grief he was experiencing. The only difference was, his Davy wasn't coming back, ever. Adam would have to deal with Jericho on a daily basis.
"I know you feel that way now, but trust me, it will pass. You have to decide what you want. We will all be here for you," Bret said firmly. He would help Adam through what ever he decided.
"I want Chris," Adam said firmly in return. He wanted his Lion, he loved him.
For some reason, that wasn't the answer Bret had wanted to hear, "you do? Are you sure? Sugar, I hate to say this, but if he cheated on you once, how do you know he wouldn't do it again? If you don't have trust, what do you have? You need to talk to him and get to the bottom of this. Better you find out the truth now, and not after the wedding, right?" Bret's words were hard, but brutally honest.
Adam sighed, "They you go, making sense again. You are really annoying with that. You're right though. If I ask him to meet me for breakfast, would you go with me? Sit close by? I'll buy."
"Yes, of course. I think you're doing the right thing. Get it out now, and no, I'll buy," Bret said with a smile. He handed Adam the cell phone that was now on the bedside table.
Adam dialed Chris, it didn't take long for the man to answer. "Chris... Cracker Barrel... one hour..." he hung up, not giving Jericho a chance to say no.
Bret went over to the main house to shower and shave. Shawn and Hunter were having breakfast. Bret filled them in quickly then went to get ready. The Helmsley's knew Adam was in good hands.
"I hope if Adam doesn't, Buddy will rip Jericho a new one. I guess, if I went too, I'd be in trouble?" Hunter asked, brow raised.
"Yes, you would. I'll call Jason, this will be our chance to talk to him. He won't lie to us, he knows better," Shawn said firmly as he picked up the phone to call his other nearly adopted son.
In an hour, Adam was in Bret's car. It was his Fire Captain's SUV, it was nearly new and fully loaded with the latest technology in communications and computers. There was also a GPS system and switches for lights and sirens. In the back were neatly packed boxes of fire equipment and a small basket of toys. Bret's turnout coat and white helmet hung over the back seat.
"I've been in an ambulance, but nothing this fancy. Why do I have the urge to push the siren button? Why the toys?" Adam asked as the drove down the street. His mind was trying to focus on something other than Chris.
Bret laughed, "Maybe later, not in a neighborhood on an early Sunday morning. Oh we have those for kids at fires. It helps calm them down. The spouse's auxiliary makes them. Davy was expert at making those yarn octopus. He used to braid my hair to practice," he smiled with the memory.
"Bret, I appreciate you doing this. I know you still have a lot on your mind. I'm sorry to mix you up in this, but I just don't want to be alone," Adam said nervously as he bit at his fingers.
"You have been there for me. I'll be there for you. I'm sorry you're going through this, I really am. I'm glad I have something else to think about, I just wish it wasn't Chris. Looks like he's here. Go on, I'll follow in a minute," Bret said as he pulled into the parking lot. Adam nodded nervously.
Adam opened the heavy door, his eyes flicked around. He hoped Chris had come alone or at least without the slut. He spotted Chris in the very back of the restaurant. It wasn't yet time for the Sunday crowd, so only a few tables were occupied. He was happy to see Chris was alone and looking as terrible as he felt. Without a word he slid into the booth opposite Jericho.
Chris looked up as Adam sat down, normally he would have slid into the seat next to him. He remained silent as the waitress approached. Adam just ordered coffee. As the waitress filled his cup, he saw Bret enter, he sat at a booth midway in the restaurant. Hart picked up the menu with a nod to Adam.
"Brought protection, I see," Chris said with a sip of his coffee. He looked horrible, like he hadn't slept, showered or shaved in days.
"Support. Why Chris? Just... why? Wasn't I good enough for you?" Adam wanted to sound angry, in stead he sounded like a wounded puppy.
Chris sighed, his fingers toyed with the coffee cup. He couldn't look Adam in the eyes," You were perfect for me. I just don't... I'm sorry."
Adam too toyed with his cup, "Apparently, I wasn't. Do you love me?" he wanted the answer; no matter what.
Chris finally looked up at his one time fiancé, "yes Kitten you were. Too good for me. I do but, I'm... oh fuck, I love you, but I'm sorry, I love him too," his eyes went back to his cup.
Adam fell back against the seat of the booth, his heart fell out of his chest, he was afraid if he looked down, he would see it splattered on the floor. "I didn't expect that one. What do you want Chris? Just what do you want?" Adam asked, the hole in his chest burned like metal on fire.
Jericho sighed, "In a dream world, I want you both. I love you because you keep me grounded and centered. I need that, desperately. I want him because he's wild and carefree. He isn't busy taking care of others. I love you because you take care of others. I love that you're such a damn good doctor. I'm proud of that Adam, what ever else you may think of me. I am proud of you. I just don't want to be married. I shouldn't have... oh fucking hell, I screwed up everything! I'm a fucking dog!" Chris said as he banged his fist on the table. He was so angry with himself for screwing everything up.
Chris' words swirled around Adam's head like a flock of crying vultures. "Bret was right, I owe him an apology. It was better to find out now, instead of on our honeymoon. So... it is over then? I can't trust you, without t rust, there is nothing. This is the big one, Chris. You just stomped on my heart after you swore to me you'd never hurt me like... Randy. That part hurts worse than anything he ever did to me," Adam's voice was steady, but his tone was broken.
"Don't compare me to that fucker, Adam. I never, ever laid a hand on you. I never left you beaten and bloody, covered in cum in a corner. I'm sorry I hurt your heart, it just happened. I honestly didn't go looking to cheat. So that's it, you won't give me another chance?" Chris looked at Adam, a glimmer of hope lit his blue eyes.
"No, what you did was worse! Chris, you broke a promise, my trust and my heart for a... a... fuck! YOU threw it all away! You threw me away like a dried up, well used dirty tissue! If you loved me, you wouldn't have stuck your dick up his shit hole! I can't Chris. Thanks to you, I'll never trust anyone! Ever! You're free, go live your life. I hope my brother can make something of your band, Heath, Mike, Kofi and Alex deserve it! You'd better watch out for Hunter. I'm sorry we didn't work out. I really loved you, with all my heart. Good bye, Chris. I do wish The Lionhearts luck, even you. Don't call me," Adam stood up, he reached into his jeans pocket and thew a five dollar bill on the table. He turned and went to the restroom.
Chris drained his cup. He threw a ten on the table and picked up Adam's five. He stopped at Hart's table. He laid the five down, in front of Bret.
"Take care of him. He deserves better than me. I am sorry I hurt him. You can believe me or not, up to you. Please, take care of him," Chris left before the tears fell. He was upset he'd hurt Adam, but it had to be.
Bret watched as Jericho left. He thought about checking on Adam, but figured the man needed a few minutes alone. If he didn't come out soon, then he'd check.
Adam went into the stalls and sat on the toilet seat, he was shaking. He let out a few tears, then decided he'd better pull himself together. His life with Chris was over. He decided he would devote himself to becoming the best fucking trauma doctor in Colorado. He went to the sink and washed his face. He pulled his hair out of its pony tail and combed it till it lay softly just past his shoulders. He was also hungry. With a last run through of the comb, he left the bathroom. Determination burned in his heart instead of love.
Adam slid into the booth across from Bret. After placing their breakfast order, Adam told Bret everything, almost. He'd left out the reference to his past abusive relationship with Randal Orton.
"... and so, no more relationships for me. I'm going to become the best damn trauma doctor in Colorado; maybe better than Hunter, but don't tell him I said that," Adam said with confidence as he flipped his hair over his shoulder.
Bret smiled, "I'm sure you will be. You know. I'll always be here for you. Oh, he left this, I guess he felt too guilty to let you pay."
Adam pushed the five dollar bill aside, "Tip. I don't want it. I want to do something, I don't want to sit around and mope all day. Want to go riding? We could go the stables on Mountain Road, take a ride?" his tone was hopeful, he loved horseback riding.
Bret laughed, "I'd love to, if they have a palfrey for me. I can ride, it's just been a while. Eat up and we'll head out," Hart was at least glad Adam wanted to do something and not just hide away.
By eleven o'clock, Bret and Adam were riding on the grasslands of the foothills. There wasn't a cloud in the spring sky. The air was fresh and crisp as they followed the trail along a mountain spring.
"Listen!" Adam had stopped his bay quarter horse. He ear was trained to the vista, of Denver, many miles in the distance. Bret stopped his appaloosa, he looked to where Adam was pointing. They heard the sounds of very distant church bells from many different bell towers. It was beautiful as a Bald Eagle circled over head.
"Beautiful. This was a great idea. We'll have to do it again sometime with a picnic and fishing poles. Shawn would love it too. It would remind him of being at home in Texas," Bret said as they slowly continued the ride.
"Yeah. I'd like to camp by horseback. Ride and then stop where we wanted to pitch the tents," Adam said with a bit of dreamy tone. Chris was temporarily forgotten.
"That would be fun. Hard to get that much time off though. It's hard to be a public servant, always on call. Plans get changed..." Bret said as his voice trailed off. His last vacation with Davy was called off when the flu knocked out more than half the department; at once.
"Yes, they do. I suppose you are on call twenty-four seven. What you're three days on two off?" Adam asked as he sat on a rock. They had dismounted to let the horses drink or graze for a while. The rock was more like a small boulder next to the mountain stream.
"I'm four on two off, but that's by choice. I like being there for my guys and Davy was three and two, it worked for us. Maybe now, I will switch to three and two. Sorry, I don't mean to... you know," Bret said with a yank on a stray string on the cuff of his jeans.
"You think I won't talk about Chris. At least... sorry. We have to stop saying sorry all the time. Your my friend and I am yours, we have nothing to apologize for. You know, this would make a nice painting. Hold my horse's rope, please?" Adam said as he stepped off the rock.
The doctor took several pictures of the area. He got the horses in some shots and a few of Bret. He used the camera on his smart phone. Considering his heart had just been lying on the floor, crushed and broken, he was feeling happy and content. After Adam took the pictures, they mounted up and started back towards the stable. After much objecting, Adam finally relented and let Bret pay for the horse rental.
"Hey, do you mind if we make a stop? A house I wanted to look at is open today. I'd value your opinion," Bret asked as they drove back to Denver.
"I don't mind at all. I would like to buy a new house too, someday. We never even had a chance to do any house hunting, glad now we didn't," Adam said with a bit of a sad sigh. As much as he loved his carriage house apartment, and being so close to Shawn and Hunter, he'd been looking forward to buying his first home with Chris.
"Are you sure? I don't want to bring up any bad memories," Bret said with a tone of regret. Maybe asking Adam wasn't a good idea after all.
"Yes, of course! I love looking at houses. I can't live with the Helmsley's forever. It will give me an idea of what's out there," Adam spoke with a smile.
Eventually, Bret pulled up to a beautiful house, on Newcastle Drive. The house was pretty and secluded with a wooded lot. They followed the Realtor as she gave them a tour of the house.
"This main floor master suite has its own deck. The kitchen has a mountain view bay window. There are four additional bed rooms and two full baths upstairs. The family room is bright and open. It opens out to a deck with a wonderful view. Lastly there is a recreation room and wet bar in the walk out basement. Oh and the basement is finished and has an office space. Feel free to walk around," the Realtor said with a big, smile.
Bret went around and looked carefully at things most people didn't bother with. It was just natural to him as a firefighter. He taught Adam things to look for, like wiring and plumbing or if wall sockets were properly grounded. Adam found it very interesting and educational as well.
"So asking prices is six hundred ninety-five thousand? I'll give you six hundred, cash in hand tomorrow," Bret said firmly. He knew his old house would sell quickly and of course Davy's insurance would come in soon. He had seven hundred thousand in savings and this property was an excellent investment. In ten years, he could double his money if he wanted to sell.
The real estate agent looked at her file of papers and did some number crunching on her calculator. She was stoned faced and unreadable.
"You know, there was that house yesterday, a couple of blocks over, with the better view," Adam said in a whisper, but loud enough for the agent to hear. She started doing more calculations.
"Captain Hart, congratulations, you now own this property. After a few signatures of course and the required ten percent, checks are fine." The agent said with a huge smile. She was thinking about the wonderful commission she had just made.
Bret smiled and shook her hand. He sat down and signed the letter of agreement. The rest of the paper work would be done at the banks and lawyers tomorrow. The firefighter handed over a sixty thousand dollar check. He and the agent made an appointment for the next day.
When Adam and Bret were back in the Fire Department SUV, Bret spoke, "Adam, that was brilliant! What ever gave you that idea?"
Adam laughed, "I could see her calculator. She was trying to get you up to six fifty at least. I thought, if she thought there was a more interesting house, she might think twice. I'm glad it worked.
"I've never been so... impulsive before. But that house just felt right," Bret said with a happy smile. He loved the new house, it felt peaceful and he could still share sunsets with Davy. He was looking forward to settling in.
"I loved it. I could live there. Those mountain views from the deck and master suite were beautiful. Congratulations. Also, it's not all that far from the rest of us, welcome to the Aurora side of town," Adam said with a big smile.
The closer they got to the Helmsley house though, the more Adam's thoughts drifted back to his break up with Chris. He knew he'd have to tell Shawn and Hunter, and keep Hunter from wanting to kill Chris. He let out a long, sad sigh without realizing it.
"Don't worry, I'll be with you. I know it's hard, Adam. It is like a death, in a way. So I understand. Just, don't let what Chris did... ruin your ability to love again. You'll know when you meet the right person. I'd been burned by love, more than once. I'd about given up, then Davy walked into my life. Right now, it's still fresh, raw and hurtful, but it will get better," Bret said softly, but firmly and honestly. He just hoped Adam would understand.
Adam hadn't even noticed they were parked in the Helmsley's driveway. "Oh Bret, I'm not... Chris isn't... your situation is far worse than mine. I don't want anything to do with love, it's too painful. I'd rather direct my efforts to my patients. Listen, before we go in; thank you for today. I'll remember it, always. I appreciate all you've done for me," his words were full of so many mixed emotions. He knew one thing, he was done with love.
"No matter what, I'll always be your friend. I thank you, I had a wonderful time today too. Hey, I'm counting on you to help me with the new house. You have great decorating taste. Are you ready? I'm sure they are waiting," Bret asked with a smile. He hoped Adam would help, he was lousy with decorating, that was Davy's forte.
Adam nodded and unbuckled his seat belt, as they got out and walked to the house, the doctor spoke, "Sure, I'd be glad to help you. Oh, Jason is here, that's his bicycle. Sometimes we go for rides when we have time together. I just hope this mess with Chris won't hurt his career. They continued toward the house.
While Adam and Bret were gone, Shawn had invited Jason over. When he got there, he showed them the pictures he'd sent Adam. Shawn was horrified and hurt, he'd always been on Chris' side. Hunter had been just plain furious. He bit his tongue and didn't say "I told you so". Even he was surprised that Chris had actually gone that far.
Jason explained that he just couldn't stand the guilt of keeping Chris' affair a secret. He'd finally decided he was brother first, band manager second. He just hoped Adam would forgive him for not telling him sooner.
They were also getting a bit worried. They hadn't heard anything from Bret and Adam all day. When Shawn tried to call, both cell phones had gone to voice mail. At least Adam wasn't alone, they knew he was safe and in good hands with Bret.
Shawn heard the back door open, "finally" he said as he got up. He, Hunter and Jay had sat in the den, waiting for Bret and Adam to return.
Bret and Adam walked into the den, "sorry we're a bit late," Bret said sheepishly. When he saw the three worried faces. He realized they should have called.
"It's alright, but check your phones, I tried to call!" Shawn said in an exasperated tone as Bret and Adam sat down.
Both of the new arrivals pulled out their phones. Bret's had lost its charge and Adam's was off. Oh well they were home and safe.
Adam just jumped in and started talking. He knew it couldn't be avoided. He told everything that had happened, once again leaving his past with Orton out of it. He then explained that he and Bret went for a horseback ride. He left the part about the house for Bret to tell.
"... so after all that, we went to look at that house over on Newcastle Drive. I bought it. Then we came home," Bret said with a smile. It had taken nearly and hour for them to explain their day. Shawn, Hunter and Jason just sat there. It took a moment for all the information to sink in. It had been an eventful day.
"First of all, congratulations Bret. That is a beautiful house. I loved it when you showed me the pictures on-line. Adam, son are you... no of course, you're not alright. What do you need?" Shawn finally spoke. Adam looked so broken and lost.
"Jay-Jay, we need to talk. Bret, thanks again for today, I would have been lost without you. We'll be back later," Adam said as he led his brother out of the den. Soon he and Jason were settled on the couch in Adam's apartment.
"It was you wasn't it? The pictures? You sent them didn't you? Adam asked his brother. He'd thought about it and when he'd seen Jason's face, he knew. His brother had sent the phone messages.
"Yes. I couldn't stand the guilt any more. I don't think that Chris knew that I knew as long as I did. At first I just thought it was harmless flirting, to make Evan loosen up and feel more like part of the band. I saw them kissing a few times, but then last Friday, I saw them; fucking. I knew then you needed to know. I know you, bro. If I had just told you, you wouldn't have believed me. You had to see the proof. I'm so sorry, you don't know how sorry," Jay explained as best he could, tears in his eyes.
Adam sighed, "You're right. If you had just told me, I probably would have killed you. So, I guess Evan was the reason Chris never stayed after fucking. I can get past the cheating, almost. What hurts is he lied. Jay, he promised me, he'd never hurt me. He's no better than Randal. Bret was so right, better to know now than on the honeymoon. I warned him, this better not affect your job," Adam said in a weary tone. He hugged his brother, to let Jay know he was forgiven for keeping it secret so long.
"It won't affect my job. The contract with Reso Entertainment is iron clad. I owe it to Heath, Mike, Kofi and Alex to do the best promotion job I can and I will. If Evan wasn't the best drummer, I'd fire him. Oh, so you know, the rest of The Lionhearts don't know. Not even Heath. Chris is going to have to explain it. The others won't like it, they love you!" Jason said as he too, hugged his little brother.
Adam sighed for the millionth time that day, "Tell them I said The Lionhearts better kick some rock and roll ass! They are too good not to be a success. It just hurts so much, Jay. I loved him so damn much," Adam broke down in tears. He cried in his brothers arms as the heartache of the break up finally hit him head on.
Jason just held his baby brother. He just wished Adam could find the love he truly deserved. He too, had thought Chris would be the one. He'd hoped all the damage Orton had caused would be healed, instead the old wounds had been ripped open by new ones.
Adam didn't deserve this. Jay was so proud of his brother. Adam had managed to finish medical school and his internship, despite all the pain Randy caused. So many times, Adam, barely able to walk, picked himself up and worked, long hard hours.
At least Randy couldn't hurt Adam any more. Orton was in jail for the rest of his life. He'd hit a school bus while drunk and killed five innocent children. They'd thrown the legal books at him, hard. If Colorado had the death penalty, Randal Orton would be dead.
Jason vowed to himself, nobody was ever going to hurt his baby brother again. Never. Ever. Again.