𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

Chapter 23 : God and Gays

As much as Ivy's tears break him, Alex knows she needs some tough love right now.

When he reaches her, his covered feet nudge into the worn-out Vans she’s planted firmly on the floor.

She flinches, but doesn't look up.

Alex has dealt with difficult people his entire life, but Ivy? She tops the list. She's more stubborn than the old, bald, rich men he has to manage daily at work.

Still, he’s doing this for Mason.

"Get up."

Her head snaps up, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Excuse me?"

Alex waves a hand around in a dismissive motion. "I'm done with the pity party. How you can sit here while Mason’s in there is beyond me. Get up."

"Fuck off, Alex," Ivy snickers, then returns to staring down at her feet.

"No, you're going to check on your friend because he's been asking for you, coughing, heaving, while you're here making it all about you. Get. Up."

"I can't," she says, voice shaky. "I can't be in that room. Not again."

She doesn’t meet his gaze, but Alex sees the fresh tears brimming in her eyes, and it makes his heart ache. He bends down to her level, placing a hand on her knee.

She doesn’t pull away this time.

"You can, and you will, because this isn’t about you," he says, his voice firm. "You’re not selfish, and there’s no way I’m letting Tristan turn you into something you’re not. Move, Ivy. Go be there for your friend."

"You think it’s easy?" Ivy laughs bitterly, her voice small. "Even if I wanted to see him, it’s too late. He won’t want to see me."

Alex smirks, the victory clear in his eyes. "I never said it was easy. I’m saying you’re stronger than your fears. Stop letting Tristan win. Your friend wants to see you. Go."

His words are a quiet plea, his thumb swiping away a tear from her cheek.

Ivy meets his gaze, and for a brief second, he sees a flicker of gratitude in her eyes.

"Okay."

As she finally speaks the word, Alex straightens, offering his hand. He smiles like a proud parent as he helps her to her feet.

She shrugs, looking uncertain. "He probably hates me. What’s the point if he’s just going to be pissed?"

"Stop looking for excuses," Alex says, his tone resolute. "He asked for you. He wants to see you. And even if he didn’t, you’d still have to go in. So, move it."

She spins around, stomping her foot with a newfound determination.

When Alex returns to Tyler, he receives a hug and a quiet "I don’t understand how you do it, but thank you."

"She might turn around in three seconds. Let’s not celebrate yet."

"You got her through the door. Trust me, she’s going to see him."

---

Ivy knocks once, twice, then a third time, before a faint "come in" drifts from the other side.

God, how she’s missed his voice.

When she enters, Mason’s eyes are closed, but they open as soon as she shuts the door and leans back against it.

"Alex is really fucking good," Mason laughs softly, his voice hoarse.