Ryan and Damian

Ryan recognized Damian as a good person, but he also knew Damian was a rival for Callie’s affection, and Ryan felt he was losing out to him. It didn’t matter what he could offer Callie with his money; he’d seen how she and Damian were like together. That memory was burned into his mind, and every time he thought of it, it triggered feelings and reactions that frightened him. If he wanted any chance with Callie, he needed reassurance that she wouldn't see Damian again, not even as a friend, but he knew he could never ask that of her. He understood it would be hard for her to resist Damian because, secretly, he wished she wouldn’t. He longed to see them together again and even wanted to be part of it. He was ashamed and confused by his feelings, unsure of what it all meant, knowing what he was experiencing couldn’t be normal.

How could he be infatuated with Callie, yet still be turned on by a man?

He pushed the thought aside as a message appeared on his screen, indicating that Damian had arrived. He instructed his assistant to lead him to the office, and moments later, there was a knock on the door as Damian was escorted in. The assistant offered refreshments, which were declined, and then she left, closing the door behind her. Although they had spent quite a bit of time together while Callie was recovering, this was the first time they were truly alone.

Ryan began to explain what they had based the appeal on and their strategy to persuade the judge to consider their request. Technically, they weren’t allowed to introduce new evidence, but they were clarifying existing evidence and strengthening the testimonies that stated there were no opioids at the party. Ryan could see that the conversation was difficult for Damain.

“Will I have to testify again?” Damian asked, looking utterly defeated.

“If it goes back to a hearing, probably,” Ryan replied, feeling terrible for Damian. 

Damian leaned back and ran his hand through his hair as he considered everything Ryan had explained. Ryan knew Damian didn’t want to relive this, but it was also the only way to finally put it behind him. If they didn’t proceed with the appeal, he would be paying off the debt for most of his life. Ryan hoped Damian could see that there was a good chance he might win.

“I have to warn you about something,” Ryan continued, dreading telling him what was coming next. “Brittany’s parents will likely file a cross-appeal, which might argue that the original damages awarded were too low.”

“So, I can end up owing more after this?” Damian asked.

“Unlikely, but it is a risk,” Ryan confirmed.

Damian’s phone chimed with a new notification. He glanced at it, sighed, and tossed it onto the desk, frustrated. Ryan shot him a questioning look.

“Another appointment,” Damian explained.

Ryan understood what that meant. He knew Damian’s sole reason for accepting the Night Service employment was the settlement debt.

“You don’t have to do that anymore,” Ryan said. “I feel good about the case. You won’t be owing this money much longer.”

“Easy for you to say,” Damian snapped. “And you just told me I could end up owing more.”

The phone chimed again. Damian picked it up, sent a reply and looked even more defeated.

“This will be a long night. They usually last for hours,” Damian said more to himself than to Ryan.

“They?” Ryan questioned.

“It’s a couple,” Damian explained. “The husband is, well, let's say, curious. He undoubtedly enjoys his wife, but he wants something more.”

“Oh,” Ryan tried to stay composed. Damian was talking about things Ryan had thought were limited to porn, and not the kind he ever watched.

“He wants to pretend he’s not gay,” Damian continued.

“But is he?” Ryan asked before he even realized what he was asking.

“I think it’s fairer to say bisexual,” Damian replied cautiously, now looking at Ryan suspiciously. “Honestly, I think labels are stupid, and people should do what makes them feel good. As long as everyone is a consenting adult, nothing else should matter, and no one else should have a say.”

Damian stared intently at Ryan as he said it, and Ryan blushed involuntarily. He suddenly felt the same inability to speak that he experienced when he first met Callie. He hated that feeling, especially now that Damian was the cause. The awkward silence stretched on for a moment longer, and Ryan decided to end the meeting to avoid further discussion of the topic.

“I’ll be in touch when we hear more from the judge,” Ryan said, standing. Damian stood as well and let Ryan lead him to the door.

“Can I ask you a favour?” Ryan said. “Could you have a conversation with Callie about the job I offered her? There is a research position here that she can take. It pays well, and I know she would do well in it.”

Damian promised to bring it up. Ryan knew Damian was as hesitant as he was about Callie returning to the Night Service. With both of them urging her, Ryan believed she would finally accept his job offer. As they parted, Ryan instinctively reached out his hand. Damian took it, his firm grip lingering just a moment too long. The contact sent an unfamiliar rush through Ryan, and suddenly his confidence wavered. Damian seemed to sense something. He looked at Ryan, initially puzzled, then offered a slow, knowing grin. He didn’t speak as he left the office. The encounter lasted only a moment, and Ryan wasn’t even sure he had interpreted it correctly. He shut his office door, pressed his back against it, silently cursing himself and wondering what the hell was wrong with him.