Hell,is that your boyfriend?didn’t even qualify as an insult. It was a question. The tone had been sarcastic, but as harassment went, Reid couldn’t give it more than a three out of ten.
Gabriel was obviously shaken, though.
“I need to go,” he said, swallowing hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing in this throat.
That had been so sexy a moment ago, and now it just made Reid’s heart hurt. “We can get out of here.”
“No,Ineed to go,” Gabriel repeated, making it clear this time that he meant by himself.
That was the last thing Reid wanted, but he also didn’t want to pressure Gabriel into staying. Not if it was making him uncomfortable. Not if he really didn’t want to be there anymore.
“I’m sorry,” he said. He shouldn’t have kissed Gabriel in public. He hadn’t asked if that was okay. This was, at least partially, on him. “Text me when you get home safe?”
“I will,” Gabriel said, already backing away from him, heading in the opposite direction that the boys had disappeared in. They probably hadn’t really seen him, but Reid got it.
When he’d first come out, that kind of thing had been terrifying. Gabriel wasn’t used to it, and he wasn’t great with people to start with.
Reidgot it, but he still hated it. He hated that someone else had decided to ruin their night. He hated that for all his talk of being yourself and doing what you want, that wasn’t always the best or safest way to live.
Hopefully, Gabriel wouldn’t hate him for this.
Or decide he was too much effort to be with.
The thought ofthatmade Reid’s stomach go cold as he turned and headed for home, disappointment settling on his shoulders.
Why was it so hard for people not to be assholes?
