If this is what beginning feels like, I’ll take it.
Theo
Max sat on a chair, smirking in a way that made my stomach tighten on instinct.
“So what do we need to discuss? Because I thought it went well.”
Max tilted his head. “Let’s talk about that look you’ve been wearing most of the night.”
Fuck.
“What look?”
“The one you get when you’re trying to pretend your life isn’t on fire.”
I exhaled through my nose. “You’re imagining things.”
“Am I?” Max leaned forwards, elbows on his knees. “I’ve seen you distracted before, but not like this. Tonight you missed two cues, and I got the distinct feeling that while your body was among us, your mind wasn’t. So, either you’re finally having a breakdown, or?—”
“Max.”
“—someone’s gotten under your skin.”
I gave him a flat stare. “I’m not discussing this.”
“Then I’ll discuss it for you.” Max grinned. “He’s cute, by the way.”
I blinked. “Who?”
“Oh,please. Cameron. The way you look at him? I’m amazed the windows don’t steam up.”
I tightened my jaw. “It’s not like that.”
Tell me I wasn’t that obvious.
“It’sexactlylike that.” Max’s grin grew downright wicked. “You just don’t want it to be.”
I rubbed a hand over my face, the weight of the day pressing down again. “He’s Gary’s brother.”
“Yeah, you’ve mentioned that part,” Max said gently. “Several times.”
“And he’s—” I stopped, searching for the right phrasing. “He’s younger than I am. He’s?—”
“—an adult,” Max cut in. “Who adores you. Who, by the way, might turn out to be the best thing that’s happened to you in a long time.”
I looked away. I hated it when Max pushed, usually because he saw what I was trying to keep hidden. “You don’t understand.”
“I understand plenty.”
I took a breath, then let it out slowly. “He’s gay.”
For a moment Max said nothing but simply studied me. When the scrutiny grew too much, I focused on the floor.
“I didn’t know,” Max said finally.
“Neither did I,” I murmured. “Not for sure. And then we talked.”
Max leaned back, the teasing mood fled. “I guess that changes things for you.”