Page 107 of Break Points and Face Offs

Jamie nods, glancing at his friend.

“I’m good,” Travis says.

“Maybe you can keep me company?” I suggest.

We watch Priestley and Jamie walk into the kitchen together before disappearing outside.

PRIESTLEY

Now the moment is actually here, I hesitate.

“What’s wrong?” Jamie asks. “You’ve been acting weird for ages now.”

“Will is my boyfriend.”

He blinks at me behind his glasses.

“Say something.”

“Oh.”

“Jamie?”

“What do you want me to say? I’m sorry. I didn’t even know you were gay. You’re so private.”

“Well, I want that to change. I want us to have a relationship, a real brotherly relationship. One where we can tell each other things, trust each other.”

His face softens. “I want that, too.”

Everything in me leaps for joy. “Good.”

A wry smile touches his lips. “He’s hot.”

“Hey, keep your eyes off.”

He laughs.

“Jamie, about Father …”

He lowers his head.

“I promise I’ll protect you. I won’t let him take this out on you. I’ve tried for so long to hide it, for you, but⁠—”

His head snaps up. “You hid this because of me?”

“You kind of beat me to the punch by coming out like that.”

“I’m sorry. I had no idea.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I should have been brave a long time ago. I just thought I could be everything Father wants me to be.”

I put a cautious hand on his shoulder. This time, he doesn’t flinch. “I realized I’ve been doing things all wrong recently.”

“How’d you realize that?”

My chest feels all gooey. “Will.”

He gives me a dopey smile.