Finding August | ✓ [SAMPLE]

Chapter 1

"Well, I don't know what else to say? Do you have any believable lie I could rent?" Vincent asked sarcastically as he closed the case that held his needles. Chuck laughed, nudging Vincent's shoulder lightly.

Chuck and Vincent had been best of friends since the day Chuck knocked someone over for calling Vincent a fag when they were in their late teens. People didn't mess around with Vincent because they knew Chuck would get back at them and people didn't mess around with Chuck because they knew Vincent would get back at them. It was a harmonious relationship that was enviable.

Vincent wasn't one to throw punches like Chuck but he did run a lending business and was pretty partial concerning who he gave his money to. He didn't lend too much to people he deemed careless and he didn't lend anything to people that pissed off him and the few friends he had. People tried to get on his good side for that small reason, but it was obvious that a good handful of them disapproved of his sexuality and made nasty comments whenever they felt he wouldn't get to know.

Vincent knew, but he wasn't bothered about it. He'd come to the conclusion that some people weren't worth his brainpower a long time ago.

"I saw August on TV yesterday," Chuck said as he pulled a pack of cigarettes from the pocket of his jacket. He took a stick out before stretching out the pack to offer one to Vincent. Vincent shook his head, declining the offer politely.

"It seems like your lover's making it big," Chuck said as he lit the butt of his cigarette with a lighter. Vincent felt his heartthrob in his throat. He didn't want to be reminded of August.

"We're not lovers," Vincent sighed, rubbing his eyes. "Well, at least not anymore."

Chuck squared his shoulders as he took a draw on his cigarette. He let out a small cough afterward before addressing Vincent. "You still love him. You're such a hopeless romantic that looking at you suffer in lovelorn makes me sick."

A smile spread out across Vincent's face before a low chuckle escaped through his thick parted lips. Chuck always knew how to brighten Vincent's mood, even when he was addressing a touchy topic.

"Maybe you should go after him like in all those sappy love stories," Chuck offered with a laugh. Vincent rolled his eyes at him, quite used to the teasing. At the same moment, the bell above the entrance door chimed to signal the arrival of a customer.

"I'm very sure you told me to come yesterday, but this place was locked up," the young female that entered said as she pointed behind her at the parlor's door she'd just passed. She was wearing a sleeveless top exposing the newly started tattoo sleeve on her left arm.

"Sorry about that," Vincent said, getting up to attend to her. Chuck took that as his cue to leave, making another inside joke before heading out the door.

The day passed by with Vincent apologizing to clients he'd made appointments with yesterday and making brand new ones. He closed up late that night to make up for yesterday's absence.

As he put away his equipment and swept out the store after the last customer left, Vincent thought about what Chuck said.

"Maybe you should go after him like in all those sappy romance movies."

Vincent shook his head. Of course, he knew Chuck had only been pulling his leg but he couldn't help thinking it wasn't that bad of an idea. All he had to do was rent a car for a month or so and journey all the way to New York. He had a couple of friends that lived there and would be willing to give him accommodation.

Vincent sighed, running a hand through his short curls. He wasn't impulsive, but maybe he was starting to be. Getting back together with August was not going to be as simple as hopping into a car and driving to New York. What if August didn't want to see or have anything to do with him? The trip would then be a waste of money and a blow to his pride. But no matter the circumstances Vincent still liked to believe August was still in love with him the same way he himself was in love with August.

Vincent turned off the lights before heading up the flight of stairs to his apartment. It was stupid of him to even consider it. If August wanted anything to do with him he would have reached out to him through social media and Vincent knew August had practically abandoned his social accounts, making it the perfect place for Vincent to vent to August about his feelings without the fear of him finding out.

Why did you leave? I thought you loved me?

JAN 16th, 5:30 PM

The boys are over at the apartment playing cards and talking sports. I'm not really here in the spirit, I'm just breathing. It doesn't feel the same around this apartment without you. Please come back, I miss you. X

JAN 21st, 9:21 PM.

Vincent closed his eyes thinking about a few of the messages he'd sent as he sat down at the edge of his uncomfortable bed. He was willing to travel across states to be with August, but what about August? Did he feel the same? All Vincent needed was a sign that August felt the same. All he wanted was for August to reach out to him.