Page 99 of Tagging Bases

“So,” I say, trying to inject some levity into the heavy atmosphere. “Does this mean I finally get to make some awesome changes at the store? Say, ‘Tighty-Whities on Your Head Day’ or ‘Tie-Dye Shirt Day?’”

Roy snorts. “In your dreams, little brother.”

“Worth a shot,” I grin.

And just like that, we’re us again. Different, maybe. More honest, definitely. But still the McManus family, ready to face whatever comes next together.

Even if what comes next involves teaching me how to use the register at the hardware store, which, knowing my luck, I’ll probably break within the first hour.

Later,when Roy heads up to his old room to take a nap, I head out to find my boyfriends.

Boyfriends.The word bounces around my brain as I push open the door. Just last week, I was single as a Pringle and eating cereal straight from the box, wondering if I’d ever find someone who could put up with my particular brand of chaos. Now I’ve got two guys who apparently can’t keep their hands off me.

Daniel’s been ambushing me in the hallway every chance he gets, pressing me against the wall and kissing me until I forget my name. And Harrison? Well, let’s just say my childhood bed has seen more action this weekend than it did in all my teenage years combined.

The gravel crunches under my boots as I head toward the rental car. That’s when I hear it—Harrison’s voice, sharp and angry, cutting through the morning air like a knife.

“That’s none of your business, Mother!”

I freeze mid-step. Harrison never raises his voice. He’s all cool confidence and artistic brooding. But right now he sounds like he’s about to blow a gasket.

I duck behind the rental car, my heart hammering. I know I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but my feet won’t move. Through the windows, I can see Harrison sitting cross-legged near the end of the driveway, his phone pressed to his ear, free hand gesturing wildly.

“Yes, I’m dating two people! No, it’s not a phase!” He runs hisfingers through his hair, messing up the carefully styled strands. “They know about each other, for Christ’s sake. We’re all together.”

My stomach does a weird flip. His mom knows about us. About all of us.

“I don’t care what your friends will think!” Harrison’s voice cracks slightly. “Or what Dad’s business partners will say in the Hamptons this summer. This ismylife!”

There’s a pause where I can hear the tinny sound of shouting from the other end. Harrison’s shoulders slump.

“No, Mother, I’m not doing this to embarrass you.” His voice drops to something softer, more defeated. “I’m doing this because I’m happy. For once in my life, I’m truly happy.”

Another pause. More shouting.

“Fine. Cut me off completely. See if I care.” But his voice wavers, and I can tell he does care. He cares a lot. “I’ve been supporting myself this whole time anyway.”

He ends the call and hurls his phone into the grass. Then he sits there, head in his hands, shoulders shaking slightly.

Shit.I should go to him, but I’m frozen behind this stupid car like a coward. What do I even say? Sorry, your mom’s a homophobic nightmare?

Before I can make my move, Daniel appears from around the side of the house. He spots Harrison immediately and doesn’t hesitate. Just walks over and drops down beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

“Your mom?” Daniel asks softly.

Harrison nods against Daniel’s shoulder. “Pictures from the party got out.”

“Ah.” Daniel’s jaw tightens. “Small towns.”

“She said I’m an embarrassment. That I’m ruining the family name with my ‘deviant lifestyle.’” Harrison lets out a bitter laugh. “As if the Price name wasn’t already tarnished by the way my parents acquired their money.”

I finally unstick myself from behind the car andwalk over, my boots announcing my arrival. Both of them look up at me, and I drop down on Harrison’s other side.

“How much did you hear?” Harrison asks, wiping his eyes.

“Enough.” I bump my shoulder against his. “Your mom’s wrong, you know. There’s nothing deviant about this. Or us.”

“I know that logically,” Harrison says. “But hearing it from her…”

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