Page 101 of Icing on the Cake

“Tell me what?”

Jackson drags me through the crowd of gyrating bodies downthe hall and into a deserted bedroom that belongs to Nathan Paisley. I know this because there’s a giant box of pink hair dye on the dresser.

I plop down on Nathan’s bed, wincing as the springs dig into my butt. Jackson remains standing, pacing back and forth in an uneven line. He keeps running his hands through his hair, and I fight the urge to tell him to stop. He’s stressing me out just watching him.

“Okay, here’s the thing.” Jackson’s words are slightly slurred. “Sometimes in life, you gotta try new things, right? Step outside your comfort zone. Expand your horizons.”

I nod slowly, not really following. “Uh-huh. And what exactly are these new things you’re trying?”

Jackson waves his hand dismissively. “Oh, you know. This and that. The point is that change can be good. Great even! It opens doors to possibilities you never considered before.”

“Right…” I’m still completely lost. Jackson’s drunken ramblings make as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. I let him keep talking because it’s providing me with some entertainment.

“I mean, take Drew, for example,” Jackson continues. “He’s dipped his toe in both ends of the pool.”

“More like his entire body. Jackson, Drew’s smack dab in the center of the Kinsey Scale.”

“Right, right. And that was even more transparent when he…he…” Jackson trails off, his eyes glazing over as a goofy grin spreads across his face.

I snap my fingers in front of him. “Hey, Earth to Jackson! What did Drew do?”

Jackson blinks and shakes his head. “Oh, uh, never mind. Not important. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that one shouldn’t be afraid to color outside the lines sometimes. They might be surprised by what they find.”

I stare at him blankly. “Dude, no offense, but you’respeaking gibberish. Are you sure you’re okay? How much have you had to drink?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Jackson waves me off the way one would a bee, which I guess, under the circumstances, is appropriate. “Just a wee bit tipsy, is all. But enough about me. Let’s talk about you and a certain tall, blond, and handsome hockey player, shall we?”

My heart skips a beat at the mention of Gerard. “W-what do you mean? There’s nothing to talk about.”

Jackson snorts and rolls his eyes. “Oh, please. I may be drunk, but I’m not blind. I saw how you two were standing out there, all close and personal-like. The air wasthickwith sexual tension.”

My face turns beet red. Was it really that obvious? I thought I was being subtle, but apparently, I’m as transparent as a window. “Look, it’s not what you think. Gerard and I are friends. Roommates. That’s all.”

Jackson flashes me a knowing smirk. “Sure. And I’m the King of Football. Come on, Elliot. I’ve known you for how long now?”

“Too long,” I mutter.

“What you and Gerard are might be none of my business, but you can’t tell me you’re not loving sharing a bed with him. Seeing him day in and out. Basking in the glow of his awesomeness.”

“Sounds to me it’syouwho has the hots for him.”

“Who said anything about having the hots?”

Damn it.Jackson flashes me the smuggest grin, and I want to slap it off his face. He sits down next to me and tosses an arm around my shoulders.

“So, spill, buddy. What’s Gerard Gunnarson like between the sheets?”

“We’re not sleeping together, Jackson. Not like that, anyway. He’s a great guy, and he makes me feel seen, you know? Like I’m not just some nerdy librarian who doesn’t belong here.”

Jackson’s expression softens, and he gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I think he’s more than a friend to you, Elliot.”

“Maybe,” I admit quietly. “But it doesn’t matter. There’s no way he feels the same way about me.”

Jackson scoffs. “Please. Have you seen the way he looks at you? You’re the only person who matters to him here.”

I shake my head. I don’t dare to let myself hope. “You’re only saying that because you’re drunk.”

“Drunk words are sober thoughts, my friend,” Jackson says sagely. “Trust me, Gerard is into you. And who could blame him? You’re a catch, Elliot Montgomery.”

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