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

Jeff was right about his mom.She was adamant I eat something,so I finally grabbed a pancake and a sausage link,rolled them up together and took a bite.Honestly,it tasted like sawdust,but I didn’t care.I grabbed a soda before we left.


Silence filled the truck as he pulled out of the neighborhood toward the highway.I chewed quickly and chugged my soda,staring out the window.


“I called the theater and told them what happened.You just need to call Robert when you decide you’re ready to go back to work.I also took off a few days.”


He flinched,like what I said hurt him.“Why wouldn’tI?”


I shrugged.“I don’t know why you do anything,Jeff.I’m not your keeper.I can’t read your mind.”


Chapter 34