Page 33 of The Rebel's Guide to Pride

“Iam,” I said, not backing down. Standing at my full height. “But on my terms, not yours.”

Chapter 14

I’ve raised you to follow in my footsteps.

I could hear the JACass’s words over the ratcheting of the wrench. The engine’s sump plug came loose, and inky blackness spilled into the oil drain pan. I lay there while it poured out and wished I could get rid of my father as easily. Despite standing up to him yesterday, I wished I’d been able to tell him about Pride Month. Explain to him exactly how many people in Beggs would be affected by Family First, how many were supporting the speakeasies. Maybe then he’d understand it wasn’t just business—it was extremely personal.

My phone vibrated, jerking me from the draining sludge’s trance. I scrounged in my pocket and pulled it free. A grin tugged at my lips as the screen lit up with a new DM. Mason and I had been messaging nonstop. The urge to avoid replying had been strong at first, but then I remembered he was grounded. Which meant there was no pressure to make plansor go out. We were just getting to know each other with random questions and nothing more.

bedmas_22

Have you picked a theme for the next speakeasy yet?

zekechapman

not yet maybe I’ll keep it a surprise and you’ll have to see for yourself

Did I hope he miraculously wasn’t grounded anymore? Yes. Was I nervous he would in fact not be grounded and plan to show up? Also, yes. Dancing would lead to kissing would lead to sneaking back to his room would lead to…

Then that would mean something else now, at least to me. Sawyer had psyched me out over him being good for me. I wondered if I was good enough for him. If I could be.

bedmas_22

I can’t, sorry, but I’m proud of you for what you’re doing. Please be careful. Scary shit is happening.

zekechapman

me? Scared? Never!

zekechapman

and thanks I’m trying to be a good gay

bedmas_22

You’re a good person. That’s what matters.

Mason hasn’t stopped gassing me up. It reminded me of that first night, when he called me brave. I hadn’t really known what it meant, the bravery that came along with Pride. Not until these speakeasies. My fingers itched to tell him how he made me feel, how when we’d danced I could finally breathe. But this thing between us was delicate. Instead, I snapped a quick selfie, grease stains and all, with a goofy face, as a reply.

“That has to be the longest oil change in history.” Mom’s voice echoed under the car.

“S-sorry,” I stammered. Shoving my phone away, I rolled the dolly out from under the car. She was leaned up against the tool chest while waiting for the next appointment. A crooked smile tilted her lips as she stared down at me. “What’s that look for?”

“What’s his name?” she asked.

“Dunno what you’re talking about,” I muttered, sitting up. However, the heat creeping up my neck and across my cheeks gave me away. Judging by her arched brow, she knew I was lying. We’d never talked about actual guy stuff before, just awkward discussions on the importance of condoms. I didn’t even know how to broach the subject of dating with her. “It’s no one.”

“Then who’s distracting you from work?” She winked, and I shrugged. “Fine, if you want to keep secrets—”

“I’m not keeping any secrets!” My voice shot up an octave as I worried she somehow knew about the Pride celebrations. Her expression then filled with confusion. “And, uh, I won’t let Mason distract me from work,” I added before she could interrogate me.

“Good, because you’re doing a hell of a job here.” Thewrinkle between her brows smoothed. Then, slowly, she smirked, latching on to what I’d said. “So he has a name, huh?”

“Damn it,” I swore under my breath. “Yeah…Mason.”

“It’s sweet…” She trailed off, watching me nervously ball my hands into fists. “How did you meet?”

“During the spea—Uh, at the bookstore, I mean.”

---