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

She gave him a small smile.“Thank you,Jeff.The only thing I need from you is to know you’re taking care of Aaron tonight.I need to know he’s okay.”


He slid his arm around my shoulders,pulling me close.“Yes,ma’am.I will.Don’t worry.”


I didn’t care about our fight or that he might want to stop being my friend.I couldn’t sort it all out in my mind.All I wanted to do was lay my head on him and feel his warmth around me.Turning toward him,I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder.He snaked his arms around me,holding me tight while I breathed him in


Suddenly I realized he smelled of his regular body wash again,and strangely,the scent comforted me.


“Yes,”I whispered,pulling away from his hug and wishing I didn’t have to.I looked at Pamela and saw she was asleep.“Tell her I love her,okay?”


Chapter 33