CHAPTER 6

Brian sat quietly sipping his coffee and eating a muffin. He had woken up early that morning and looked over at Justin and the overwhelming sense of uncertainty came flooding back. He had immediately showered and headed out to the coffee shop before Justin had woken up. Last night had been wonderful conversation and a great start, but he was still nervous to face him.

"Brian," Ben said as he walked into the coffee shop, "I thought you would be out on the slopes early. How was last night? You look like you've been through the ringer."

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"So tell me what happened last night," Michael said as he flicked on the lights and tossed a bag of bagels at Justin.

"We talked. Had a really good conversation, but when my possible moving to here came up he got really nervous and went out to get more soda. Unfortunately by the time he got back I was sound asleep and I don't even remember him coming back in."

"Wow, that surprises me that with his big shot attitude that he clammed up," Michael said as he continued to fiddle with the bagel bag as Justin threw on some jeans and a jacket.

"Yeah, I think I'm going to get him to go with me shopping and that way we can talk some more. Let's go get some coffee," Justin said grabbing his crutches and opening the door.

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"I clammed up. He smiled at me and I thought I was going to suffocate, so I bailed," Brian said as he took another sip of his coffee.

"No way," Ben said as he grabbed his own coffee and sat down at the table.

"Yup, what should I do?" Brian asked as he continued nibbling on his muffin.

"Go talk to him. If anything, he knows how you feel. Leave it to the Air Force guys to not be able to show their feelings," Ben said as he stood up and zipped up his coat.

Brian sighed. He was totally kicking himself in the ass. He knew Justin was someone special but now he just needed to get past the fear that was gripping him.

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