Page 36 of Don’t Call Me Son

I laugh a little, the sound hollow. “Yeah… yeah, I guess so.”

I leave him to pack his suitcase, really hoping that if he starts dating Jay, Jay will be good to him.

…

Fifteen minutes later, Sarah, Jay, and I are standing in the kitchen talking casually. Jay’s easy to talk to. We’ve known him for a long time… Sarah longer than me, of course, from before I was even in the picture. He’s always been a solid kid.

Then we hear the thudding of a suitcase coming down the stairs; it stops, and Archie pops into the kitchen doorway. “Okay, I’m sorted.”

Jay looks over at him and smiles; the most caring, proud, respectful little smile I’ve ever seen. He really cares about Archie, even before they slept together; something about that settles in my chest. I knew deep down this was never going to work; it wasn’t fair to Archie. But to know Jay cares, really cares, well… I’m glad Archie has someone like that. I hope Archie will be better than me and not cheat on whoever he ends up with.

Sarah says, with hope in her voice, “Will you stay for dinner?”

I jump in quickly. “Oh, it’s alright, love. He’ll want to get sorted.”

Archie gives me a little smile, like he’s grateful I stepped in. We’ve just gone through some sort of weird breakup; the last thing we need right now is to play pretend. One day, I guess, we’ve got to get used to being stepdad and stepson again: but not right now.

Sarah nods. “Yeah, you’re probably right, I suppose.”

Archie adds, “Hey, maybe next weekend, yeah?”

Sarah nods and opens her arms with a sad smile, he laughs a little and steps into her arms, hugging her tight.

Jay winks at me over their shoulders. “At least you don’t have to worry about this guy intruding on your private time anymore.”

I laugh and nod. “Yeah, that’s something, isn’t it?”

Any normal parent would probably want their kid to experience college properly. But me… well, it’s gonna take a little time with this one.

We all head out into the hall and Sarah opens the door for them. Jay grabs Archie’s suitcase without being asked. I’m really noticing all the small things… the things he’s done for Archie in just this short amount of time, the way he looks at him, the way he kissed Archie’s nose, the way he came all the way here with him. Yeah… Jay will be good for Archie.

To my surprise, Archie turns to give me a hug; I breathe him in and hug him back tight. “I’m sorry, Archie. Really.”

Archie says quietly, “Yeah… me too…” He pulls back and gives me a little smile, whispering. “You know, Colt… one day, I think this will bring us closer. You’ll see.”

I laugh a little, sad but full of hope. “Yeah. I’d like that, Archie.”

He nods, and it’s truly nice to see that bit of healing in him.

Chapter Fourteen

Jay

The next day we’re back at college. I’m currently talking to Kim; she’s telling me about what me and Archie missed out on yesterday during training.

We haven’t told her we were drunk and that’s why we didn’t come in. And we definitely haven’t told her we had sex and that Archie basically moved in with me.

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop the thought from making me grin like an idiot. I have no idea what’s wrong with me all of a sudden; it’s like Archie has woken something up inside me and I just keep smiling like a fool.

He got settled easily yesterday. We didn’t have sex again; just talked a little, played some games… just how we always were but with a new layer of something else on top. He passed out on the couch looking comfortable, so I just wrapped him in a blanket and couldn’t resist stealing a kiss, because apparently, I’m suddenly a softie for Archie. Guess it’s so much easier to develop lustful feelings for your best friend than anyone else.

Kim’s mid-sentence, “Oh, you should have seen…” when someone smacks my ass.

I yelp, cutting her off, and turn to see Archie grinning… his training shirt completely gone, chest and shoulders glistening with sweat. He winks at me and I actually blush. I don’t blush. What the hell?

Kim bursts out laughing. “What on earth, Archie?!”

Archie grins at her and starts fanning himself, running a hand through his sweaty, messy dark hair. I just stare like a moron… a completely perverted-for-my-best-friend moron.