Page 58 of Wild Stars

Once out of sight, I unbutton the top couple buttons of my gold shirt so I can breathe.

“You okay?”Richie asks as I pop a button off.

I hope I don’t have to pay for that.

“I can’t breathe in this fucking outfit,” I say with a huff.

“I’m heading to craft services,” Ines says.

“I’ll come with you,” Spike chimes in, leaving Richie and I alone.

I speed-walk toward the dressing rooms, wanting nothing more than to get out of this costume and put my comfy clothes back on.

“Somehow I don’t think this is about the outfit,” Richie murmurs.

I stop and look at him with disdain.“Really?Since when did you have time to get a shrink degree?”

Richie crosses his arms.“What is your deal, man?You’ve been a basket case since Sylvestro’s.”

“I have not!”I say like petulant child.

“Yes, you have.Something is going on with you.”His eyebrows furrow as he takes a step closer to me.

I rub my neck, trying to re-circulate my blood flow from this tight ass shirt.

“You can tell me, you know,” Richie says softly.“You used to tell me everything.”

My heart breaks and I feel like an asshole.

How am I supposed to tell him something I barely understand myself?

What would I even say?

“I know, Rich.I just...don’t think you would understand.”

I don’t miss the way his gaze falters or the frown on his face.

“Why?Is it a...guy thing?”

I’ve never been the type to remain quiet about my preferences.My brother was the first person I officially came out to, years before I came out to anyone else.

I wish I could tell him everything.About me, about Matty.

But something tells me now is not the time, and it’s certainly not the place.

“Oh, my God!Richie!I didn’t know you guys were on the show today!”A sweet, melodic voice pulls both of our attentions.

But my attention doesn’t fall on Hailee Starr, oh no.

Like a laser beam, it falls right on the tall glass of fucking water next to her.

Who is wearing his usual leather pants, black shirt with the sleeves rolled up.His chocolate brown hair is gelled back, and it gives him an almost debonair gentlemen look.

Gentleman of fucking hell.

My brother’s entire demeanor shifts, and I don’t miss the way his eyes light up when he looks at Hailee.

“Hailee!So good to see you,” he purrs as he leans in and hugs her.

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