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

My phone pinged and I glanced at the screen.Jeff had texted me and his message was eerily close to my own feelings.


My fingers texted before I thought the matter through.


Why the hell had I done that?Fuck.I was torn between needing him and telling him to stay home.My fingers refused to budge,though,and the screen stayed blank.I needed him more than I wanted to continue to be angry with him.I was weak and I let the tears fall as I stared out the window,waiting for Jeff.


I texted Pamela to tell her where I was just in case she woke up while I was downstairs.I didn’t want her to be scared.My head fell back against the sofa and I closed my eyes against the tears that seemed to spring up endlessly.Was this grief?God,I missed my mom.


Chapter 36