“But, Stone,” he says, “I shouldn’t have let that get in the way of things with you. I was just scared. I should have seen that I’m not alone anymore, not just because of my friends, but because of you. You kept coming back for me, Stone, and I think I know why.”
I lean back and push my fingers through his hair, stroking the side of his head. “Because I love you,” I say.
Matty gasps. I didn’t expect the words to come out, but they did, and it’s like time freezes as they hang in the air between us.
“I love you, too,” Matty says softly. “And I know that you understand everything I’m going through. I know that you’ve been alone, too, Stone, but you’re not alone anymore. Okay? I don’t want you to be alone, not ever again.”
We meet for a kiss, and tears run hot down my cheeks. I hold Matty as close as I can, almost unable to believe the words I’m hearing.
He loves me, and I love him. Joy surges through me as I think about how simple and easy and right that is.
We love each other.
“Matty,” I say, stroking the back of his head. “I want you to know I’ve changed. I’m not going to screw up like I used to, not with you in my life. I even know that it was Jeremiah who broke my damn hand, but I didn’t try to confront him or get revenge or any dumb shit like that. I’m just going to keep my head down and stay safe because I know I have you, and that’s all that matters, okay? I’m going to be good for you.”
Matty shakes his head slightly, confused. “It was Jeremiah? But you have to do something.”
“No,” I say, gentle but firm. “It’s not worth it. He’s not worth it.”
“I’m glad you’re staying out of trouble, but Stone, you can’t just let him get away with that.”
I brush a soft kiss across his lips. “Don’t worry about it,” I assure him. I’ve changed and that’s all I need him to know. I can keep him safe, and that means it’s okay to love him. It’s okay to admit that I need him in my life. “Now it’s time to get you home for some well-deserved rest. You’ve got a film premiere coming up.”
“Yeah,” he says with a contented smile. “Take me home, boyfriend.”
* * *
It’s weird having a boyfriend like Matty. Not because he’s a guy. That part is unexpected, but it doesn’t feel weird.
It just feels right.
The weird part is having someone I actually trust, someone who actually wants to treat me right and stick by my side.
Weird, but fucking nice, too. It feels like I’m in a different reality, getting dressed up in my only button-up shirt and tie for the film festival, taking him out for a big dinner at his favorite Chinese restaurant, and even pinning a damn flower to his jacket.
I never do shit like that, but considering the accomplishment Matty’s celebrating tonight, how could I not?
I drape my arm over his shoulder as we approach the theater where his short is playing. It’s a chilly night, and he snuggles up close as we walk. He’s got on a bright blue tie, the same color as his hair, and light dances in his eyes.
It reminds me of when I first saw him. There’s just something about a smile that genuine and good that I could never forget.
“I’m going to have to get a new tie,” I say. “Or at least a haircut. I’m not used to dressing up for stuff like this, but I know you’ll have more movies coming.”
Matty laughs and slides his hand into my back pocket. “I’m ready to take a breather from the studio and clear my head first. But please, don’t go changing your look for me.” He glances up, a playful smile on his face. “It’s good. It gives me some edge.”
I chuckle. “Edge, huh?”
“Just a few more tattoos,” he jokes, “and I’ll be the bad boy of stop motion animation.”
We step under the big sign advertising the film festival right as Milo and Hilton show up, followed quickly by Horatio and Ayla. Everyone is dressed up, which for their group means bright clothes and plenty of makeup. The attention all goes straight to Matty, compliments pouring out, but they take a minute to welcome me, too.
“Thanks for helping our guy cross the finish line,” Ayla says with a smile. “I’ve got some bad news, though.”
I arch an eyebrow. “What’s that?”
“Horatio wants to drag you to see the loudest metal band ever.”
Horatio appears by her side, his long hair swooped back. “They’re called Nothing Death,” he says. “Local band, awesome drummer. I got a free ticket. Wanna come?”
