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“You were going to leave without saying goodbye?” Jack asked, leaning against the wall.
He had watched as Robby threw his leg over the bike. Had watched him take a deep breath. He hadn’t even noticed Jack was standing there.
Robby startled, turning his head. “I… I guess I thought you were watching the fireworks. Or you were busy with a patient.”
“Or you’re inherently unable to have emotional conversations?” Jack offered, pushing himself off the wall approach.
Robby huffed a laugh. “That too. You’re not going to tell me why I shouldn’t go?”
Jack shook his head. “If you need to take the time, then take the time, brother. But… I’m still your emergency contact, and I would really not like to be contacted by anyone but you while you’re away. You hear me?”
“I…”
“Robby.”
“I hear you.”
Jack nodded. “It’s late. You should… take the night. Leave in the morning. It’s been a long ass day from all accounts.”
“Isn’t it always?” Robby asked. “Besides, I already gave my keys to Whitaker.”
“You still have keys to my place, don’t you? Help yourself. We’ll have breakfast in the morning before you leave.”
“Jack, I…”
“The offer is there,” Jack said. He reached out to squeeze Robby’s shoulder. “If I see you in the morning, all the better. If I don’t, then be safe. Come home when you’re ready.”
Robby nodded, smiling slightly. “I’ll come back. I will. I promise.”
“I’m gonna hold you to it.”
…
Jack let himself into the apartment, tired but still a little wired from the shift. He hadn’t seen Robby’s bike in the parking lot, but that didn’t mean anything. Sometimes, Robby parked at the side of the building, and Jack hadn’t checked.
He would either be there, or he wouldn’t. He’d bought two breakfast scrambles on his way home just in case though.
Closing the door behind him, he dropped his bag and then looked to the living room.
The television was on.
He smiled.