Page 2 of Wrecked Rose

Sam:With a girl.

Max:The fuck?

Sam:Yeah. His exact words when I told him I didn’t want to go out with her were:

Sam:“You haven’t been with a girl before.”

Max:Well, one—you’re only fourteen. So I’m doing an eye roll already.

Max:But, two—yes, you’re young … but you’re old enough to know your own mind.

Sam:He thinks things will change if I date a few girls.

Sam:I can say for certain it will not.

Sam:And I don’t know how to deal with his disappointment.

It must be soul-crushing. Fortunately for me, my parents said they’d always kind of known, they loved me no matter what, and I should lead my life however it felt best to me. Has it always been easy? No. But I’ve never been one to hide my thoughts or feelings. I like dudes. And there’s not a damn thing wrong with that. I’m proud of who I am.

Max:I can give you all kinds of what ifs and maybes, but I won’t.

Max:You have to come to terms with being who you want to be, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Max:It’s your life. Live it.

Max:Lemme know if you need an ear. And I’m happy to meet up in person.

Max:But only if you feel like it.

Sam:Okay. Thanks for always being there when I need to groan about something.

Max:Anytime.

I don’t know what else to tell him. I’ve always been very clear that I’m no one’s therapist, but I’m here to listen. It’s days like these I’m thankful I grew up in the household I did and have found the friends I have. My eyes cast over the group with me tonight. Yeah. I’m pretty lucky.

Just not lucky in love. Not yet.

Chapter 2

Max

When Daph and I pull up in my X5, the Danbrook residence is already overflowing with New Year’s Eve revelers. The massive number of cars lining the driveway means we end up parking far from the house and walking about an eighth of a mile. Sheer insanity. But that’s how parties here usually go—particularly on special occasions. I’m guessing the entire junior and senior classes must have been invited tonight.

I nudge Daph in the side with my elbow as we walk. “Did you ever in a million years think you’d ring in the new year with your boyfriend at Beau and Griff’s house?”

She tosses her long, dark hair over her shoulder, gives me a small smile, and a semi-naughty wink. “Stranger things have happened, I guess.”

“Nah. I don’t think you and Micah are strange at all. You’re perfect for each other. That pairing was meant to be. He was there for you when you needed him most, and I have no doubt he will continue to be. That dude isdunzowhen it comes to you.”

“And what about you? When are you going to find your guy?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s right under my nose, and I haven’t realized it yet.”

We walk up the front steps, and I pull open the door without bothering to ring the bell or knock. It’s not like anyone would hear us, anyway. We’re greeted with music pounding through the speaker system, laughter, and loud voices. I let Daphne through the door first and turn to shut the door behind us. I don’t realize she’s stopped a step inside until I run right into her back.

“Oops. Sorry,” she gasps, spinning around toward me. She grabs my hand and pulls me through the foyer into the kitchen before I can see what’s wigged her out.

I tug on her hand, halting our flight through the kitchen. “What happened?”

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