My heart flings itself against my ribcage. Oh gosh. Does he really want me to take him on a date? This is amazing. But I need to tread carefully. He is a gentle soul, I can’t barge in all guns blazing.
“I do like you that way, Jade!” I blurt. “But I understand it’s not mutual.”
I mean, I now strongly suspect it is, but this is far more tactful than saying he is a fragile, delicate flower who needs time.
“I won’t hassle you. Gay guys can be friends!” I attempt to clarify, horribly.
Jesus Christ. Why couldn’t I have said something sane? Something like, I really like and respect you and it would be great to take our time and be friends first.
I bite back my sigh. Too late now.
Jade’s brows are furrowed. “I thought you said you were pan?”
He remembers that? That’s incredible. This really is the best day ever.
My hand lifts, it clenches and it thumps my chest like some sort of gorilla. “Yep, that’s me! Hearts not parts!”
Jade laughs. A full on peal of amusement.
“But,” I say, because apparently it’s one of those days where I’m incapable of shutting up. “The point still stands, people of attractable genders can be friends.”
Oh lord, I really am babbling nonsense now. Nevertheless, Jade is grinning at me. His whole face is glowing. He doesn’t seem to mind my buffoonery at all.
“Yeah, everyone I live with is gay, and we are like brothers.”
“That’s so awesome!’
It really is. Sounds like the best flatshare ever. Their parties must be wild.
“So, can we be friends and hang out?” I press.
Jade flashes me a sweet smile. “That sounds great.”
Yep. I was right. Best day ever.
Chapter three
Jade
Ifeel like I’m walking on clouds as I step through the front door of the house. It’s a warm summer’s day, but now everything seems even brighter than when I left to go to the mall.
I need to tell my best friend everything that has happened before I explode.
I bounce up the stairs and along the corridor to Pink’s room, but he’s not there. I try downstairs, and hear the TV in the living room. The door is slightly ajar and I see Pink curled up on the sofa with his husband.
Silently, I back away. Monty is lovely, but the happy couple does not need me as a third wheel. I spent months on the run with Red and Brodie hiding me. I’ve had enough of being the third wheel for a lifetime.
Besides, Pink told me earlier about a potential lead in the search for Monty’s missing brother. He was excited and happy, but now all of that seems gone from his body language. I’m guessing it was another dead end. The last thing Pink and Monty need is my inane chatter.
As I stand in the hallway, like a lost soul, the sound of Ned playing with his kids drifts down to me. I quickly scurry away. I was such an asshole to him when I was losing my mind. I can’t believe he has truly forgiven me. He has to just be saying that for the sake of peace and keeping our found family together.
I dart into the kitchen. Lello and Gray look up from their baking.
“I bumped into Flyn!” I blurt.
They both stare at me. The silence grows.
“The one you didn’t want me to kill?” says Gray as he cocks his head to the side.
