Page 49 of 12 Gays of Christmas

But did I? Aren’t I making the same mistakes all over again?

I glance at my date for the evening. Gil is drumming his fingers on the steering wheel and giving me nervous glances. His confidence seems to have vanished.

“I’m surprised so many people are still around since finals are over.”

“Not everyone can go home,” he says, his hands tightening on the wheel. I’d tried to think of something to get rid of the awkwardness between us. But I’ve made it worse. Epic fail.

“Sorry.”

He glances at me, and I attempt a smile. My stomach is trying to eat itself out of pure nervousness. Gil takes my hand and squeezes, and I want to hold on and never let go. “I can’t wait to see Nat and your parents. You all are the only family I need.”

Can this guy get any sweeter? And will telling him about my crush—no, not a crush. I’m in love with Gil and have been for a while. But what if he doesn’t feel the same? What if things go downhill like they did with Remi, and he moves out? I’ll be taking away the only family Gil really has. Which would be pretty selfish of me.

Cars line the street in front of Steph and Roxy’s house. It’s a two-story Victorian house with a gabled roof and a big front porch.

“They live here?” I ask, staring at the house in awe. “It’s huge.”

“It belonged to Roxy’s grandfather. He died about a year ago and left it to her and her brother.”

“The brother was at the bar, right? When we were all celebrating? Joe…?”

He shakes his head and gives me a fond smile. I’d been trashed that night. I’d barely remembered my own name. “Julian.”

Someone turns up the music and the thrum of the bass hits me as soon as I step out of the car. It gets even louder as the front door opens and a guy with dark skin and high cheekbones steps out.

“Hey, Julian,” Gil says, waving to the guy. “You aren’t staying?”

“Jules. And no. Too much—” He stops and stares at something behind us.

Remi and a guy I don’t recognize get out of his Chevy Impala. Remi is dressed, as usual, in dark colors, but the gray sweater gives him a softer-than-usual look. “Stop staring, Colorombie. You had your chance at this.”

“I…I have to go,” Jules says, giving Remi and his date a look before taking off.

I turn to my ex-roomie. “Why are you here?”

He grins, and I want to punch him. “I was invited,” he says, “and I brought a date.”

“A date?” Remi doesn’t date that I know of. I narrow my eyes as I try to figure out his angle.

“You’ve heard of those, right?” Remi asks, raising an eyebrow. Fucker.

Gil chuckles and puts his hand on my arm to pull me toward the party and away from Remi and his date. “Truce tonight, okay?”

“Sure,” I say, giving Gil a smile. Then I turn and point my finger at Remi. “Don’t mess with me. And stop talking to my sister.”

His eyes sparkle. “Glad I could help.”

“Ugh. I need alcohol.”

“No,” both Remi and Gil say together.

Roxy is at the door and waves for us to come inside, so I don’t respond to their rudeness. She looks gorgeous in a sparkly red dress that complements her dark skin. Steph stands beside her with his hand on her back. Why was I ever worried about Steph? It’s obvious he’s madly in love with his girlfriend.

The Christmas tree takes up an entire corner of the living room. The decorating style is eclectic with special-looking ornaments front and center. One is a football. Another is the school mascot. And another a ballerina. Fairy lights make the room cozier. Most of the people here are from the football team. And their dates. Wickett gives Gil flirty glances, and even though we aren’t together, I lean in close and take Gil’s arm. He smiles down at me, and my heart misses a few beats. Then I see Darcy laughing like he belongs here. How is he so confident? All my doubts come rushing back when Gil raises a hand in greeting and gives Darcy a big smile.

Why am I here torturing myself? I glance toward the kitchen longingly. Steph has likely stocked the kitchen with beer and at least one bottle of tequila since it’s Roxy’s favorite.

“No,” Gil says, his breath teasing the side of my face. “Eat first. Then, a few drinks. I’m not carrying you out again like last time.”

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