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“When was the last time you ate?” I asked as I sat back down across from him Tate merely shook his head “Eat, Tate,” I said “There will be plenty left for Matty”

Tate’s eyes lifted to meet mine but he didn’t answer He looked over his shoulder at the large pizza box sitting on the stove I hadn’t e was geared towards a child’s taste It explained a lot about the man across from me…his lean frame, his lack of funds, Matty’s nicely decorated room

A strange sense of satisfaction went through me when Tate finally took a bite of the pizza, but I tried not to examine too closely why it mattered so much that he’d done as I’d asked And I definitely tried not to focus on his intriguing, ht blue and warm, soft hazel…I couldn’t help but think they matched the two sides of his personality I’d seen so far I wondered what they would look like when he shed, felt pleasure…

Fuck, what the hell rong with me?

I forced myself to remain silent until Tate finished the food and pushed the plate away He took a couple more drinks of water and then sat stiffly in his chair, his eyes settling on aze briefly skih me

Jesus Christ, there was no way this was happening toway I was attracted to thisme it definitely was possible and I had to lean forward so I could use the table to hide my unexpected reaction to Tate’s perusal It had to be the fucking stress, the anticipation of as to come

“What’s wrong with Matty?” I asked

My question had a profound reaction The pain shooting through Tate was clear and tears instantly pooled in his eyes as he hunched in on hirily wiped at his face with his shirt sleeve – he had taken his jacket off at some point – and sucked in several deep breaths as he covered his eyes with his hand

“Leukemia,” he whispered so low that I barely heard him

A chill went through my entire body and I couldn’t help but cover my mouth with my hand as I tried to stem the lump of emotion that threatened to close off my throat I’d expected so like that

“Jesus,” I muttered as I sat back in my chair “Is it…is it treatable?” I heardshaky

Tate nodded “The doctor said we caught it early He needs multiple chemo treatments over the next six months They did a bone marrow test today to see if he’ll need a ste they would be able to find a match”

“What about you?” I ed to ask

“They’ll testhas the best chance of being a match”