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

I wrapped my arms around her,pulling her close.“I’m sorry Pamela.”She sniffled against my shirt.“I think Mom would want me to go to college.And,hey,I’ll stay with you guys during holidays and birthdays.And visit on some weekends,too.”


She pulled back and looked at me warily.“You will?Promise?”


“Promise.And I also promise to call at least once a week,okay?And you can text me or call me anytime.”


Her lips curved into a small smile and she wiped at the tears on her cheeks.“Okay.”


At the sound of footsteps,we glanced to see someone from the kitchen crew bringing out a bag of trash.


“Sorry,”the guy muttered as he hurried past us.


“No problem,”I told him,then looked at Pamela.“Ready to get back inside?”


“Yeah.Grandma’s probably already worried.She’s a little overprotective.”


“She’ll probably loosen up soon.She’s been through a lot,too,”I gently reminded her.“Just give her a little time.”


She blew out her breath and wiped at her face again.“I will.Thanks.”


Chapter 46