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

The next week flew by as I settled into a routine.My“new normal,”as Judy called it.I returned to working at the theater and got caught up with the classes I’d missed the days I was out.I also got my car registered,but mostly I rode with Jeff in his truck.I’d become used to it.


We cleared out Judy’s office,moving most of the items to her bedroom and some to the basement.Kevin had agreed to help us move my furniture on Saturday,so we planned on picking him up around eight.


As we headed to his house,I got a text.I pulled my phone,surprised to see it was from Jon.


Jon:Heard you’re moving furniture today.Need an extra pair of hands?


Me:That’s sweet,but you’re too far away.Don’t worry about it.


Jeff glanced at me,so I showed him the phone.“Jon volunteering to help.Kevin must have told him.I wouldn’t ask him to drive this far.”


“Whatever.He’d do it,”he ground out.


“What isyour problem with Jon?”I asked,exasperated.


Chapter 50