Page 33 of Don’t Call Me Son

I malfunction completely, blushing wildly. “Oh.”

Jay nods at my phone. “So, ring her, clear the air, and go grab some more shit. I’ll come with if you want; we can take my car.”

Right. Unlike me, Jay could actually afford driving lessons and bought a car; nothing fancy, but it’s reliable. He’s offered to drive me home before, but I always refused because he lives much closer to campus. He uses it for adult things; grocery runs, the good gym a few miles away, long drives to see his family.

“You wouldn’t mind?”

Jay rolls his eyes. “I’m offering, ain’t I?”

“Okay. I’d appreciate that.”

Jay stays leaning on my knees, staring up at me. I press call to Mom and try to gently push his face away. He laughs but doesn’t move, just grabs my hand to stop me and holds onto it. Jesus Christ.

I really hope she answers. I don’t even know if she’s at work today. Her shifts change all the time; sometimes nights, sometimes days. It’s a fifty-fifty chance she’s at home.

She answers after a couple of rings. “Archie, finally.” A slight pang of guilt hits me, but she carries on before I can say anything. “I’m glad you messaged me to let me know you were safe, but I wish we could have just talked about this.”

I smile a little even though she can’t see it. “Mom, honestly, it’s fine. I just wanted to know if you were at home so we could talk?”

She pauses, like she’s maybe concerned, but then says, “Yeah… we’re both at home today.”

I inhale slowly. Of course Colt’s at home; for god’s sake. Well, this is a good way to put an end to whatever little thrilling affair was happening.

“Alright, well… I’ll be home soon.”

Mom laughs. “We’re wearing clothes this time!”

I wince hard. “Yeah… no; don’t do that, Mom.”

She keeps laughing and says, “What?”

“Please don’t make jokes out of me seeing you naked. I’m scarred for life. I’d rather forget.”

Jay tips his head back, laughing quietly.

I hang up and shake my head, then shuffle forward to stand up. Jay hasn’t moved; he’s still kneeling in front of me, looking up.

“Come on,” I say. “Let’s get this over with.”

Jay nods. “Mhmm.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “What are you doing?”

His eyes flick to my lips before he shakes his head, inhaling sharply, and stands up. “Nothing. Let’s go then.”

As Jay puts his shoes on, I frown, watching him; maybe he’s just silently processing everything. But he looked like he definitely had something he wanted to say or do. I shrug it off and grab my bag; now’s not the time.

Chapter Thirteen

Colt

It’s been three and a half days since Archie walked in and saw me and Sarah having sex. He messaged her a couple of times, letting her know he’s fine, but she just spoke to him about thirty minutes ago and apparently, he’s coming over to talk.

Thank fuck. I haven’t been able to apologise properly or make things right with him yet, and it’s been killing me. I feel so bad; guilty. Like I fucked up the good, complicated thing I had with him.

But I guess… it has been nice having this time with Sarah; just the two of us. The house has felt a little empty though, especially yesterday when she was at work and I got home. The past two weeks I’d gotten used to spending that time with Archie… talking, touching, fucking, just being with him. And now… well, it’s just been quiet.

I hope he’s had a little time and is ready to come home. Though I wonder what he wants to talk about. Is he angry? Hurt? Done with me completely?