“You knew? Everything?”
“Yes, Ender.”
“And you kept being friends with me?”
I can’t help but give my friend a half-grin when he looks around us and says, “I think so…” pausing between each word.
“You stayed,” I mumble.
“Not everyone leaves, Ender. You have to stop living your life like they will.”
There’s a moment of silence between us, and I look away to steel myself. My lungs ache before I finally exhale and say something I never thought I’d say aloud. “I was in love with you for a long time, Kaden.”
“I know.”
I may have given myself whiplash when I look his way. “What do you mean? You knew this whole time?”
“No. I mean, I don’t know how long you did, but Luke caught on to it. He told me it was obvious. I asked Connor about it afterward. He agreed.”
“Jesus, Luke must hate me.”
“No, he doesn’t. He knows it was in the past, and we both know how you feel now.” He hesitates before telling me moreabout how obvious I am. “You need to tell Gabe you’re in love with him.”
“I’m scared, Kaden.”
“He won’t leave.”
“You don’t know that,” I tell him.
“Yes, I do.” The confidence in Kaden’s voice makes the tiniest seed of hope take root in my heart.
Gabe
I get to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and see Kaden and Ender in an embrace on a bench outside. I’m almost jealous, but I know better than to be—I just wish it was me he’d let comfort him.
I give them a moment before I approach them, and I swear my heart stops when our eyes connect. We gradually close the distance between us, until I break into a jog, not wanting to spare a second until he’s in my arms again.
“I’m sorry,” he says as I crash into him, lifting him off his feet and holding him so tight I might break him in two.
“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault.” I push his hair back and my lips instinctively go to his comfort spot as I set him down. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good. But can you take me home?” he murmurs against my neck.
I don’t want him to go home—I want him with me. And then I see the moment he can tell what I’m thinking.
“I mean your home. With you.” He looks nervously at me. “If that’s okay?”
“Of course it is, Bean.” I look over his shoulder. “Thanks for finding him, Kaden.”
“Stop losing my friend, and I wouldn’t have to keep track of him for you.”
“We don’t plan on it ever happening again.” Then I look at Ender and say, “Right?”
His eyes are sad when he turns them on me. “I’m a lot of work, Gabe.”
I wipe the tear from his cheek, then press a firm kiss to his lips. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m a hard worker and don’t give up easily.”
“You should probably cut your losses and find someone who isn’t a pain in the ass.” He actually gives a half-smile.
