Eighteen year-old Aaron Pickard is dealing with a lot: he’s falling for his straight best friend, his mother has ended up in the hospital after a violent assault by his father, and he’s trying to decide when to come out. Tack on the stress of an upcoming prom and graduation, a part-time job, and the possibility he could lose his best friend, and he’s an emotional wreck.<br><br>Aaron’s best friend Jeff Leaton provides a soft place for him to fall when his life is thrown into chaos, literally holding him each night as they fall asleep. As Jeff helps Aaron navigate through the mess that has become his new normal, Aaron’s feelings for Jeff intensify.<br><br>Aaron’s pretty sure it’s all going to end badly, but he’s holding on to hope.

Holding On

By the time Jeff arrived a couple of hours later,I was ready to go.Dad was on the way home and Pamela was driving me nuts.If I had to hear her talk about the latest cute boy in her class one more time,I was going to retch.


Mom slipped me a twenty as I headed out the door at the sound of Jeff’s horn.


I gave her a genuine smile.“Thanks!”


“Have a good night.You two be careful.”


I rolled my eyes.“Just going to work and back,Mom.Love you,”I called as I ran out.


The music was low when I slid inside the truck.After I buckled up,I saw Jeff watching me.Intently.


“What?Do I have something on me?”I asked,glancing at my uniform.


I blushed.Was that a compliment?Or was he just being nice?Did he really think I looked good?Shit,now I was acting like my sister.“Thanks,”I mumbled.


I saw the sparkle in his eyes.“Okay,let’s see…you look great.”


I rolled my eyes at him.“Fantastic?”


Chapter 7