Page 143 of Outcast

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It’s baby steps, but we’re getting there

Gray:

We’re growing up and being all adult-like by handling our shit

Emory:

LOL. When are you getting that tattoo?

Gray:

Not sure yet. Want to come along when I do it?

Emory:

If I won’t be intruding

I glanced up. Axel was on the phone talking to Angel about when she could work me in. It sounded like it’d be a couple of weeks out. Bailey was scarfing his food. Holden was eating more sedately, but at least his color seemed to be improving. The thought that he’d been as upset over our argument as me—or maybe even more—went a long way to making me feel better about the whole situation.

“Do you guys mind if Emory comes when I get the tat?”

“Of course not,” Holden said. “He’s your guy.”

Bailey nodded. “Yeah, he’s cool. He can make me pancakes again.”

“He’s not your pancake servant,” I said, flicking a chunk of hot dog at him.

He dodged, and Loki lunged in for the extra treat.

“Rude!” Bailey cried.

I returned to my texts with a smile.

Gray:

My bros don’t mind. It wouldn’t be the same for me without you.

Emory:

Then I’ll be there. Love you.

Gray:

Love you too, golden boy.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

Emory

“Can someone grab the cherry cobbler?”Mom called from the picnic table in our parents’ backyard. “I forgot to bring it out, and it’s my Emmy’s favorite!”

Ah, god, the dreaded dessert she still made for me even though I didn’t want it.

I shot her a smile. “I’ll get it.”

Grandpa gave me the stink eye. Right. Had to stop doing that. People-pleasing habits—especially the ones related to Mom—were hard to break. She’d been gracious when I came home with Dad two weeks ago and we all sat down for a heart-to-heart about my sexuality, my love for Gray, and the way I’d twisted myself up because I didn’t want to disappoint them.

“Oh, honey, all I ever want is for you to be happy,” she’d said.

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