17
Having a hot boyfriend waiting for you made the day impossibly long, especially given Linc was off work.
Lacey called after noon. “Dad’s here.”
Linc froze. He was washing dishes and nearly dropped his phone in the soapy water. “What do you mean?”
“He showed up this morning. Looked like he hadn’t slept in days. Smelled like he hadn’t showered in longer.”
“Is he still there?”
She laughed bitterly. “Hell no. I told him to get lost.”
He sighed. “How did he find you?”
“I didn’t bother to ask.”
Linc swallowed.Say it. Say it.He was trying to be what Avery needed. Failing to do the same for Lacey would be unfair. “Do you need me to come down?”
“No.” The response was immediate, and his chest twisted in unexpected disappointment. “Just thought you’d like to know.”
“Yeah. Keep me posted.”
“Yeah, sure.” She didn’t sound like she believed him.
“Hey, Lacey?”
“Yeah?”
His heart spasmed, but he forced the words out anyway. “Do you remember Mickey?”
“The gay kid Dad beat the crap out of?” she sneered. “Why the fuck would you bring him up? This situation is shitty enough as it is without rehashing how we got into it.”
Linc stared at soapy bubbles, watching them pop and disappear one by one. “Nothing. Never mind.”
* * *
Linc went out to get groceries. When he came back, the hall outside his apartment echoed, but for once, it wasn’t Jordan and Chelsea blowing off steam. Two men were having a pretty serious argument.
“So—what? You’re gay now too?”
Linc froze.
“Come on, Der, don’t be a jerk.” Jordan’s voice was hoarse.
“You are, aren’t you? Shit, does Chelsea know?”
“It doesn’t have anything to do with me. It’s not cool for you to—”
“You better not be checking me out. We’re bros, man, but that’s it.”
Linc rolled his eyes. Why did every straight guy think every gay guy in the world wanted them? Linc would rather fuck sandpaper than hook up with Derek.
“Don’t be gross! That’s not what I’m saying!” Now Jordan was starting to sound a little desperate, and Linc sighed. He and Jordan would probably never be close friends, but his roommate was doing his best to make good on his promise, and he could use some backup.
He pushed open the door, trying to keep his features neutral. Derek’s scowl darkened when his gaze met Linc’s, while Jordan’s expression was naked relief. “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”
Derek sneered. “Is it you? Did you turn my best friend gay?”
