Riding With Brighton(60)

“Nope,” I tell him.

“Fine. Whatever. Okay, I’m gonna go. Wish me luck.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

He nods at me, but the stress is overtaking his features. I walk to him and run my fingers through his hair, then hold on to the sides of his face. “Remember the things you told us last night, okay? You traded all that bad shit in. Today’s the first day of the rest of your life. No matter what happens, you can always come back here, to me.” I kiss him then, gently, feeling his warm, wet lips between mine. His lips move so easily with mine, his tongue is lazy and relaxed. No matter how he kisses me, it always has the same effect—I want more. I don’t want to stop. I want to keep feeling this forever.

He pulls away. “That right there is worth everything. I would trade anything for that.”

“Get home so you can come back to me.”

“Going,” he says, pushing me off him and walking to the front door.

Mom and Paisley are in the front garden. When they see us, they both smile. Mom stands and takes her gloves off before walking to us. With her hands on her hips and a smirk on her face, she asks, “Did you two sleep well?”

“I’m sorry about that,” Jay starts to tell my mom, but she cuts him off.

“Don’t apologize. It’s okay. I know how persuasive this one can be,” she says, staring at me, trying to look disappointed, but I can tell she’s not. “Are you heading home?”

“Yeah. Thanks for letting me stay.”

“Really, Jay, it’s not a problem. I’m sure things are going to go just fine today, but you’re always welcome here. In the spare bedroom. You’re cute, Brighton, but I’m only gonna fall for that Mama’s boy routine once.”

She’s talking about the letter I left her. And I know she believes what she’s saying, but there are perks to being the firstborn. She can’t resist me. I hug her and snuggle into her neck.

“Stop,” she says with a laugh.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I love you.”

“Do you see how he works? You should be paying close attention. He’ll take advantage of your soft spot and use his cute little face to get away with murder.”

“I’m getting that,” Jay says, snickering.

“Come with me for a second.” Grabbing him by the elbow, she drags him toward the door. “I have something for you.”

I start to follow them, but my mom gives me a look letting me know I should stay. So I do.

They’re only gone for a few minutes, and when they walk back out the door, they’re both smiling. Mom goes back to her garden, and I walk Jay to his truck. “Call me,” I tell him. “As soon as you can. I’m gonna be worried until I hear from you.”

“Got it.” He grins. He seems more relaxed now. He grabs my face, gives me a quick kiss, and then shuts his door.

I watch as he backs out of the driveway and heads down the street.

When I can no longer see him, the worry starts to creep in. I don’t like this—him on his own, facing all this shit without me. I don’t like watching him go.





Chapter Seventeen


Jay



I TAKE a deep breath and walk through the door. Inside, it’s completely silent. Which isn’t odd, but for a moment I think maybe they’re gone, and I’m actually a little disappointed. I want to see them, and I want them to understand. I want to know how they feel about all of this. I want to help Tyson understand that the world’s not ending just because he’s got a gay brother.

As I make my way through the massive foyer and into the kitchen, I see my parents in the breakfast nook. One look at Mom and it’s clear she’s been up all night crying. It makes me sad that she thinks this is sad. I mean, I get it obviously, but I’m so damn happy. I wish she could feel that. I wish she could see the difference.

“Hey, son,” my dad says.

“Hey, Dad.” As my eyes shift to him I can see the stress on his face, but he’s trying to smile through it. He stands and comes to me, then wraps his arms around me and hugs me tight. Like he did when we found out his dad died. Like we just got the worst news. About a death. And now is the time to band together and hug really hard. “I didn’t die,” I say, hugging him back as if I did die because I need him right now, and this hug feels really damn good. He still loves me. He’s here for me.

He laughs and pats my back, and I smile. But then I see my mom. She’s staring at us with disgust. I’m not kidding—it’s pure disgust. She stands and flees for the back door. “Mom,” I call, pushing out of Dad’s arms.

He holds tight to my shoulder. “You’re gonna have to give her time. She’s not ready to accept it yet.”

I stare at the now-vacant spot at the table, my chest aching. “Yeah, okay.” I take a seat at the island feeling like I can no longer stand. Dad joins me. He pats me on the leg and gives me an uncomfortable smile. “I’m guessing you’ve had a hell of a night.”

He stutters a laugh. “Yeah, it was a little chaotic. I didn’t really have a chance to think about it myself until those two finally worked themselves into exhaustion.”

“You seem like you’re handling it okay?”

He smiles at me, and it’s less forced this time. “I am. I don’t really know what to say to you about it. Personally, it doesn’t really change anything for me. Your mom’s been preparing me for this day since long before you were born. It’s almost a relief to have it over with.”