Page 41 of Hidden Plays
And queer?Would they still find me responsible if they knew about me and JJ? I ate a bite of lasagna. “What’s um, any thoughts on what’s happening with Noel?” Had things gotten worse?
Mom threw Dad a death glare. “The only time he calls is when he’s drunk, or high, or both. I’m wondering if he’s having problems keeping a job.” She stabbed her food with her fork. “Maybe that’s why he’s running out of money.”
“Maybe.” Sagging his shoulders, Dad said, “I think he needs rehab.”
“Rehab? Is it that serious?” I gulped some water down. I should call Noel and check on him. Maybe Mom and Dad were overboard here.
“He’s that serious.” Mom’s hardened gaze dragged to me. “If he were in my bar, I’d kick him out. I know his kind. I’ve seen it a million times.”
“He’s still our son, Leah.” Dad ate a bite of lasagna.
“What prompted tonight’s family dinner?” I glanced at Dad and then focused on Mom, my gut tensing. Had they wanted me to talk to Noel?
“I hoped that together, we could talk some sense into your brother. But I see he dodged us…again.” Mom huffed and ate some salad.
“I’ll call him sometime this week.” I had to help. Hewasmy brother. I chewed my lower lip as my chest squeezed. But what would I say to him? We weren’t close anymore.
“Thanks, honey. Would you?” Mom patted my forearm, resting next to my plate. “Then let me know how he’s doing.”
“I will.” I pushed at my food with my fork. Funny how the conversation always centered on him. It was like Noel’s fucked-up life dominated everyone’s thoughts with concern. I glanced at Mom. She never worried about me, never had to. But it would be nice if, for once, my brother’s shit didn’t dominate the dinner conversation.
NINE
JORDAN (JJ)
Holden was having dinner with his family. Would he say anything about me? Sitting on the couch at home, I held my phone in my hand, rereading old text messages. I itched to tell my mom about us, but Holden should be out first. At least out with our friends, if not his own family.
Casey strutted in from the bedroom hallway. “Whatcha up to?” He fell in next to me and peered into my phone. “Are you reading some sexy texts from your new boyfriend?”
“No.” Closing the screen, I set my phone on the coffee table. He didn’t need to see our text messages anymore.
“Aw, come on. What’s going on with Harry?” Leaning against my side, he rested his cheek on my shoulder. “When are you going out next?”
“Tomorrow night.” I lowered my cheek to his head. Casey was so upbeat. Did anything ever bother him? How would he react if he knew about Holden and me?
“Oh, good. Is he coming by here to pick you up?” He lifted his head, his gaze finding mine. “When can we meet him?”
“Tomorrow isn’t a good time.” We hadn’t even picked a place yet. I huffed a sigh. We hadn’t been together since Saturday.
“Why not? You’ve been dating this guy for nearly a month,and you mentioned you were falling in love with him.” He knitted his brows. “Oh, are you having problems?”
With a scoff and a quick shake of my head, I said, “No. Just because I’m not ready for you to meet him doesn’t mean we’re having problems.” I pressed my lips together. Except, were we? If we didn’t start telling people about us, how could we be together sexually? We both had roommates.
“Do you think we won’t like him?” Casey studied me and lowered his voice. “Do you think he won’t like us?”
“No.” I forced a sharp laugh, wringing my hands in my lap. “We’re being cautious. I need to know him better before introducing him.” Would Casey buy it?
“Yeah, sure.” He straightened. “Maybe he’s someone we know, and this Harry Cox is a fake name.” His one brow rose.
I stared at him. How did he always figure shit out? “No, that’s not the case.” Smacking my hands on my thighs, I stood and grabbed my phone. “I have to go study.” And end this conversation.
After stepping into my room and closing the door, I held my phone to my face. I’d text Holden and see where he wanted to go tomorrow night.
JJ
How are things with your family?
Harry
