Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+

Chapter 36

Wesley's P.O.V

[2 days earlier]

I entered an old, rundown warehouse. Not a single window allowed a glimpse inside, as they were all tightly shut. The walls, once bare, were now covered with colourful graffiti, telling stories of forgotten artists.

A sense of unease washed over me, my intuition warning me against this encounter with Blair. Yet, the mere thought of disappointing her wasn't something I wanted to see in this lifetime.

She sat, poised on an armchair, tending to her nails. Her appearance was nothing short of perfection, exuding an aura of grace and sophistication. However, her choice of attire, a black and white pantsuit, concealed the wicked spirit that lurked within her. Strangely, her sidekick, Quinton, was nowhere to be found.

Blair's voice brimmed with excitement as she asked, "Wes! What are your plans for your birthday?"

"Is there trouble in paradise?" I asked, noting the absence of Quinton.

I must have really struck a nerve, 'cause her eyes showed a mix of hurt and confusion, but she was quick to mask it.

"He's on a business trip." Her words were delivered with an icy tone, one that I had grown accustomed to over time. "You never answered my question, Wes?" she added.

"Stop calling me Wes." I said in exasperation.

"Wow!" she started off, the rapid, escalating movement of the nail file against her nail bed produced an unsettling, grating noise.

As she glanced downwards, she became aware of her mistake. Her nail now shorter than she had originally desired. Snapping it, she continued saying, "I was just trying to be nice; you know?"

"I don't think you've ever done anything nice without expecting something in return."

With a sharp, contemptuous snort, she crossed her arms. "I've been way too nice to you!" Her voice dripped with exasperation, as if the very thought disgusted her.

Blair snatched her phone, dialled a number, and I knew I pushed her too far.

She commanded one of her goons. "You know what to do." Placing her phone on loudspeaker, the piercing sounds of Luca's anguished wails reached my ears.

With every word, his anguished voice grew louder, urging me to rush to his aid, as he pleaded, "No! Stop! Stay back!"

"Blair, STOP! Don't hurt him." I demanded.

A wave of disappointment crashed over me, my face tightening into a frown as her voice oozed with contempt. "If you want him to stop, you know what to do."

Her words took me by surprise. Was she really suggesting that all it would take to make her stop was letting her call me Wes? The authority in her tone made my brow crease, frustration and anger rising within me. Could it really be that simple to put an end to her actions?

"Tick tock. Who knows if I will be able them to stop?"

I gritted my teeth and plastered on my fakest smile, "Fine! you can call me Wes!" Even though I felt like my insides were curdling, I was determined to appear pleased with the situation.

"Just hold up! At least for now." With a mischievous smirk on her face, Blair couldn't have been more satisfied.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

She grinned as she said, "Everything!" and gestured for me to stay put.

She returned, holding a tiny bottle with a spooky skull etched into it, which she tossed to me. It was filled to the brim with a milky white liquid.

"I want Vinnie gone, but I'm not getting my hands dirty," she said.

"What the fuck? Are you for real?"

"Yup." Her response was terse.

"I'm NOT killing him!" I exclaimed, striving to convey the same level of determination through my voice.

She glanced at her nails again, a flicker of dissatisfaction crossing her face before she murmured, "What's stopping you? He's nothing but a liar."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "And I'm supposed to just take your word for it?"

Her hands clapped together, her excitement almost unsettling. "Very well then! Since he's off the hook, that leaves just one person. And I'm pretty sure you know exactly who I mean."

A knot tightened in my stomach. "But. . . why?" I asked, my voice laced with desperation.

She sighed, as if I were a child struggling with basic math. "Come on, Wes, this isn't the time for 'buts.' Who's it gonna be? Your ride-or-die bestie who's always had your back, or your sorry excuse for a boyfriend who's been MIA for ages?"

I swallowed hard. "I can't do that. I love them both."

She smirked. "Greedy one, aren't you? Pick. One. Now. Or I will." Her eyes gleamed with a promise I didn't want to test.

This was the biggest decision of my life. Way bigger than my stance on pineapple on pizza, or even choosing my outfit this morning. I mean. . . bros before hoes, right?

My mind burned with indecision, but my heart knew the answer.

"I choose... Luca."

The words left me before I could second-guess them. I couldn't help it. I needed him. These meaningless hookups weren't enough anymore. I wanted real happiness again.

She grinned. "Good choice. Knew you'd pick him." Her voice turned casual, like we were discussing dinner plans. "Now, just slip a little something in his food, and we'll never have to deal with Vinnie again. Take him to that diner you love. You've got a week." She waved me off like an afterthought. "Now, get outta here!"

As I stepped toward the door, her voice rang out behind me. "Remember, Wes. I've got eyes and ears everywhere."

Standing on one side, was Vinnie. My best friend, my brother from another mother. He'd been there through every twist and turn, our bond unshakable

On the other side stood Luca. He held the key to my heart. The one I yearned for. I longed to be wrapped in his embrace again, to feel the warmth I'd been missing.

I made the right decision, right? Right...

In a state of autopilot, I found myself steering my car towards our treasured hideaway, shared between Vinnie and me. This clock tower, abandoned and deteriorating, defied all expectations of ordinariness. Its shattered windows and exposed bricks created a refuge unlike any other.

The clock's hands were frozen at 11:11, an enchanting sight that held me spellbound. Despite the presence of vermin and illicit activities in the vicinity, we persisted in seeking solace within its peculiar and captivating beauty.

Years may have passed since my last visit, yet every memory remained imprinted within these very walls. An overwhelming surge of emotions washed over me as I stood in the place that had once brought us immeasurable joy.

Overwhelmed with thoughts when it suddenly dawned on me. I was seriously considering offing someone. Just a little poison and my friend would be history.

Vinnie had been through so much. Who was I to ruin his shot at happiness? I flung the vial the ground and crushed it with my foot. Jumping into the car, I drove away, the weight of my transgression engulfing me.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think :)

Did Wes make the correct decision?