Page 45 of The Friend Scheme
“Yeah. I guess so.”
That lingers between us.
“Have you told anyone?” he asks. “Not about the Jake thing, about your liking guys.”
I kick my legs. “Nope. Just you.”
“Dude, I’m so honored. And, like, welcome to the family, I guess. I wish I had a rainbow flag I could wave.”
“Hey, let’s not go overboard.” I grin.
He puts his hand on my shoulder again.
“Congrats, Matt,” he says. “I know how hard it is, and you did really well. I promise, it does get easier.”
“Thanks. That’d be nice.”
We sit in comfortable silence. Jason really was right before. We can just be together, and it’s not awkward.
“Do you think you’ll tell your parents anytime soon?” he asks.
“God no. Baby steps, for now.”
He laughs. “Well, that suits me just fine. It can be our secret. But seriously, if you ever have anything you want to get off your chest,I’m around, okay? Anytime. You could even talk about your family, if you want.”
I flinch. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Oh, why?”
My mind is racing now. This all is just starting to feel a little too perfect. Here I have this gorgeous guy, who seems so interested in me as a person when nobody else has been before.
Something must be up.
“I’d just rather not,” I say.
“Oh, dude, don’t stress. I get it.”
Then again, I think I’m just being paranoid. Dad did raise me that way, after all. I’m probably just scared about being vulnerable. Which is scary for me.
But I think it’s worth it.
Jason is worth it.
Someday, maybe soon, we’ll be good friends.
I won’t keep anything from him.
CHAPTER TEN
My life feels split down the middle.
On one side, it’s horrible. Dad is in a hospital, still in a coma. Apparently his recovery is going slower than they expected, so they decided to keep him under for a few more days.
I’m grateful his room is private. Apparently that’s the best money can pay for here. On his bedside table are a few bouquets of flowers. The machines beside him are constantly whirring and beeping.
When he wakes up, I’ll find out if the war is going to end or just get worse.
On the flip side, there’s my friendship with Jason.
