He just wanted to go home.
A single tear slid down Justin's face as he looked out the window. He'd had these feelings all week, and the friends he'd made when he came to New York could tell—he didn't seem like his usual self. He was ready—ready to return to Pittsburgh.
But was he ready to return to Brian? Yes, he decided, as he bit his lip. He just had a call to make. Picking up the phone, he dialed the number with shaking fingers. "Daphne? It's me. I—I'm ready to come home."
The plane ride seemed to take forever. Then he heard the words he'd been waiting to hear for so long: "We are about to make our descent into Pittsburgh."
Tears filled his eyes and he had to raise his head to keep them from falling. Who—who would be there to greet him? Part of him so wanted Brian to be there, but then again—he grinned—he couldn't wait to get to their palace to surprise him.
Their palace. He smiled at the memory. He could still see it as if they'd gone yesterday. It was mainly unfurnished, with covers over the furniture. That was where he'd finally agreed that he and Brian could be married.
When the plane finally landed, the other passengers jostled for position as they reached for their overhead baggage, but that was fine with Justin. When he was free to move, he retrieved his own things and slowly made his way out of the plane into the terminal. He heard cheering—was it for him? And sure enough, there was Daphne, just jumping for joy. "Justin!"
Justin ran into her arms and held her tightly. "Daphne," he choked, the tears flowing. "I've missed it here so much."
Then he looked around—where—where was—
"He's still at work," Daphne said, reading his thoughts. Then she smiled and slipped something into his hand. "Here are the keys. You'd be surprised," she laughed. "He's done a little remodeling since you were there last."
As they walked to her car, Justin couldn't believe it. He was almost home—home with the one who needed him.
Finally, they pulled into the driveway. "We're here," Daphne said, as they got out of the car. "I just know he'll be so glad to see you," she added, smiling. "He's cried on my shoulder every day."
"Thanks for everything," Justin said, giving her a big hug. As she drove off, Justin faced the house again and slowly ascended the stairs.