Theron’s brows knit slightly.
“Why?”
I stare down at the floor.
“Because they found out I’m gay.”
Silence falls between us.
Then Archie mutters, “Jesus.”
“They said it would damage the family image,” I added quietly.
“Bad for business.”
I shrug.
“Apparently their reputation matters more than their son.”
Theron looks away like he’s thinking about something.
Archie just shakes his head.
“That’s fucked.”
Then he sighs and leans back against the wall.
“My reason’s a little less tragic.”
He scratches the back of his neck.
“Got into a massive fight with my stepdad. Like… screaming match level.”
His expression darkens slightly.
“So I grabbed the invitation and left the house before I punched him.”
Theron snorts softly.
“Sounds healthy.”
Archie flips him off lazily.
“What about you?” I ask Theron.
He shrugs one shoulder.
“It was the only way to get away from my uncle.”
The way he says it makes my stomach twist slightly.
“Control freak,” he adds shortly.
“That’s why I came.”
I nod slowly.
Then something suddenly hits me.
