Lost in the middle of nowhere

THANK YOU FOR HATING ME

✧ ✧ ✧

Brendon found himself in May's diner for the second time in under twenty-four hours eating breakfast with his new companion, and he wasn't about to complain. Dallon was sitting across from him with a genuinely friendly smile. Dallon was the definition of southern hospitality in so many different ways. Whether it is the soft smiles that he offers when he notices a change in Brendon's mood or the friendly banter to gain that mood back, either way, Brendon doesn't know how to distinguish Dallon's behavior without thinking he wants something.

Ryan was nice to Brendon when he wanted something. Maybe it was rough sex or a new car. Getting away from Ryan certainly opened Brendon's eyes and realized how toxic that 'relationship' was, and he couldn't be more grateful to be out of it and away from the asshole for good. Well, until he returns to LA. But, does he truly need to go back? His parents are probably worried. Maybe if he gave them a call and explained what happened, and tell them that he wouldn't be coming back to LA, then they wouldn't worry. Maybe they will understand. It's not like he had a lot of true friends in the modeling business. Everyone was fake and two-faced. His 'best friend' Spencer only verified that assumption. Was it truly an assumption or a fact at this point? Brendon didn't certainly know or care.

Brendon thought about leaving the business and pursuing a music career, but who would sign a washed-up nineteen-year-old that would be turning twenty in just a few months. Maybe he could find something else, something more - domestic - like what Dallon does. It was easy to pull himself out of his thoughts just as easy as it was to pull himself into them.

"So, how long have you been working at that shop?" Brendon asked and wraps his lips around the silver fork. His brown eyes were entirely focused on the man that sat across from him.

Dallon didn't seem phased by the topic. Maybe it was a normal question to receive. "About five years now. It belonged to my parents before they skipped town. They weren't proud of our origin and wanted to find a 'better place' other than some small town in the middle of nowhere. I can't blame them. We still keep in contact and I don't have any hard feelings about their choice. It was a good one, but I didn't want to be a part of it." Dallon shrugs. " I like it here."

"How could someone not enjoy their lineage?" Brendon's inquiry wasn't meant to be impolite, but it left him dumbfounded.

"Eh, it's complicated. Some of our ancestors were into voodooism and my parents don't believe we should continue practicing their 'antics.' Dallon air signed the parentheses on the last word. He thought it was a ton of bullshit that they shouldn't continue what their ancestry helped create. Dallon knows voodooism is a religion and his parents kicked themselves out of Louisiana because they didn't agree with the belief and practice.

"They do realize you can't run from what's in your blood, right?" Brendon asked and raised a brow, it was almost challenging.

"I don't know if they were thinking clearly when they left. They were in a hurry and didn't put up much of a fight when I refused to go with them. I don't know if something about voodoo scared them off or if they were just in a hurry to finally leave." Dallon shrugs. "Enough about me. What brings you to Louisiana, Brendon?"

It was Brendon's turn to shrug and look down at the white table, plucking at a napkin under his half-empty plate. It will stay that way too because he suddenly lost his appetite and slowly pushes away the plate. Should he tell Dallon some elaborate lie or the truth? He was aiming for the latter and takes a deep breath. "I - um - had to get away fro - from -" Brendon began to wonder if he could tell a stranger what he went through, what he endured for nearly five years. He takes another deep breath and continues with more confidence. "I was in a long-term relationship. I was young when I met him, fourteen to be exact. We were best friends for a few months and then we caught feelings for each other. You know, the 'young love' cliché. We would've been together for six years next month. I was so blind until everything was thrown in my face."

Brendon hesitated, rolling his eyes, and Dallon nods for him to continue.

"The first year was great. He was really sweet and caring. But, in year three something change and he became more - physical..." Brendon paused and finally looked up from the table to see Dallon's reaction, wondering if Dallon knew what he meant.

Dallon looked perplexed and a little furious. Maybe Brendon should clarify, but he doubted it would help with the anger.

"He became mentally and physically abusive, and manipulative. Ryan would -" Brendon stops himself before going into more detail and deeply inhales. "Anyway, long story short, I finished early with a photoshoot and went home to surprise him, thinking my company would've been enough, but I found my best friend's dick down his throat. So, I got in my car and just headed south, never looked back since, and that was two weeks ago. I'm surprised you and especially the sheriff didn't realize that I'm technically a missing person." Brendon leans against the red and white leather with a heavy sigh. "I thought he loved me, but I guess I should thank him for hating me."

Brendon snorts and Dallon looked even more confused, so Brendon again clarified. "I want to thank Ryan for making me stronger than I could ever be."

Dallon silently nods and moves his plate to the side, resting his arms on the table, and leans closer to Brendon with a smirk. "Well, they say everything happens for a reason and sometimes it happens at the right time. Maybe it was your time to move away from him and find someone that isn't a complete asshole, someone that will love you entirely and not for your money or fame. I know some people don't believe in fate, but everyone believes in something."

Brendon smirks. It was true, everyone has their own beliefs and he wasn't one to bash someone's religion or beliefs despite the lack of his own. "I think you cleared that up pretty well honestly. Thanks."

"No problem. Anytime." Dallon hesitates like he wants to say something else, but he only glares at Brendon like he was trying to figure out a puzzle and got up from the booth, practically hovering over Brendon. It was in a non-threatening way, But Dallon's height was very intimidating. "Anyway, I should get back to the shop. Maybe you can stay in town for a few days, have something stable for a while? I have an extra room if you'd like something more - homely. Not to mention the motels around here aren't the best."

Brendon thought about it for a few seconds before sheepishly shaking his head. He couldn't impose on someone like that despite wanting the company.

"You know where to find me if you change your mind." Dallon smiles and taps the table with his knuckles three times before heading to the counter to pay for both meals.

Brendon didn't know what he should do. He enjoyed Dallon's company and hospitality, but he couldn't impose on the cute giraffe man like that even if he offered the room in the first place. Maybe a nap in his car will help clear his mind. Yeah, that might work and he leaves the diner and got into his car, easily falling asleep in the backseat despite the caffeine that was consumed just hours before. Sleeping in his car was going to be a piece of cake.

✧ ✧ ✧