Page 52 of 12 Gays of Christmas

Once we’re in a less crowded area, Gil turns to face me. “Why would I invite him? This isn’t even my party.” The last words are said in an offhand manner, like he’s trying to convince me and is worried I’m not buying it.

“So you didn’t invite Darcy? Or Mr. Gym Rat?”

“His name is Ray.”

I ignore his comment. “Or Georgie? Why is Georgie here, Gil?”

There’s a slight flush to his cheeks that could be a blush. Or the heat from so many people together in one room. Or the alcohol…I glance down at his empty hands. Well, one is empty. The other still holds my wrist. But I haven’t seen Gil with a drink all night.

“Colin…”

I wait for a second to see if there’s more. When he doesn’t say anything else, I pull my wrist away. “What about the growly bear? Your first failed date? Why is he here?”

His eyes widen and he glances over at a guy standing by the Christmas tree. Hell, he’s almost as big as the tree. He has a full dark beard. Bingo. “How did you—” He shakes his head. “It’s not what you think.”

I clench my hands, swallowing the bile trying to escape my stomach. I was right. God. Why couldn’t I have been wrong? I glare, trying to burn a hole through his sweet-Gil facade. “All we need now is the chalkboard menu. You can point to the one you want. And they can come and claim their prize. One football cherry coming up.”

Gil is shaking his head, his eyes pleading, but I’m done. Why had I thought this would work out? Isn’t Remi proof enough that crushing on your roommate is a bad idea?

Before I can storm away dramatically, and I was planning the whole exit stage right in my head, the music stops. “Excuse me,” Steph says, trying and failing to get everyone’s attention. The crowd continues to laugh and talk even without the music until a shrill whistle slices through the air.

“Can’t you hear my man talking?” Roxy gestures to Steph and then points her finger at each of them. “Show some respect.”

“Thanks, babe,” he says, kissing her cheek. He turns back to his guests. “I appreciate everyone coming to our party. Drink up. Except for you, Colin. You need to pace yourself.”

“Oh my God,” I say, putting my drink behind my back and trying to hide behind Gil.

“It’s almost Christmas Eve, and we have a tradition in my family. We tell everyone what we want most for Christmas.”

I’m hiding behind Gil and watching Roxy. Her dress is fantastic. I’m mesmerized by the way the Christmas lights dance across the red sequins. So I manage to catch the confused look she gives Steph and the words she mouths. “Since when?”

“I’ll go first.” Steph moves to the center of the room and gives us his charming, game-winning smile. “I’d love to have a PlayStation 5 and the newMaddengame,” he says, giving Roxy a fond look. “But we’re saving money to get this place fixed up after we graduate, so…I already have my Christmas wish. My sweetie.” He motions for Roxy, and she rolls her eyes but joins him. “Love you, babe.” He kisses her, and everyone cheers. Steph winks at Gil as he gives up the spotlight, and my stomach somersaults all over again.

“My turn,” Georgie says, jumping up. “I’m hoping for a new car. It probably won’t be brand new, but my dad has been hinting, so here’s to hoping. Does saying it aloud in the circle make it come true? Do I need to say it three times? If so, I’d also like a hot jock—” Someone—Wickett, maybe?—pulls him out of the makeshift circle, and the crowd laughs.

Gil glances at me and raises an eyebrow. I shake my head. No way am I getting up there. He leans his head down so I can hear him over the murmur of the crowd. “Did you know the most commonly given gift at Christmas is candy or chocolate?”

“Really? Not money or gift cards?”

“That’s a close second.” He bites his lip. “And then giving something homemade.”

He’s spouting random facts. But why is he nervous? Unless…oh God, no. My breath whooshes out of me as he gives me a quick smile and raises his hand. “I’ve got a wish to share.”

“Breathe,” Remi says, guiding me through the guests and closer to the circle. I hadn’t even realized he was there.

“What time is it?” I ask, holding my glass tight in my hand.

“Almost midnight. Are you going to turn into a pumpkin?”

“Fuck off,” I say before gulping down my drink. I need as much liquid courage as I can get. Do I want to know what Gil wished for? Yes, desperately. Unless it’s one of the guys on his list. Then, nope. Not at all.

“Hey, everyone. I’m Gil. Wide receiver for the Redbirds. You all know me. Although I think you might be surprised by a few things.”

I glance around the room. Every eye is glued on Gil. I need to stop this. Whatever this is. Maybe hehasbeen drinking, and I didn’t notice. “Gil,” I say in a loud whisper. His eyes find mine, and I give him a what-the-hell look. His shoulders relax and his smile tells me this is happening. There is nothing I can do to stop him.

“I had a wish. But it wasn’t something I wanted. It was something I wanted to get rid of.”

Murmurs go through the group, but I ignore them. My eyes remain on Gil. What the fuck is he doing?

---