From the age of three, Tim Bailey wanted to marry Tom Watkins. Many changes occurred during their formative years, but Tim’s love for Tom remained rock solid. Even when Tom temporarily broke up with him to date girls, Tim never stopped loving Tom. Because his father walking out on his family, Tim doesn’t trust easily. His friend Tom’s bisexuality makes him uneasy. Tom is a popular high school football player who can have anyone he wants, boy or girl. So why would he choose nerdy Tim? The fact Tom won’t come out at school further feeds Tim’s insecurities and suspicions. Tom has always felt the pressure from his dad and his friends to be the typical jock. This means hiding the gay side of his bisexuality and only acknowledging Tim in private. Tom has promised once they’re at college in New York, he and Tim will be able to live openly as a loving gay couple. Tim just needs to be patient. Things come to a dramatic head at an event everyone has been waiting for, their end of year graduation party. Many truths are revealed, old scores are settled, and everyone’s lives are changed. Can Tom keep his promise to always love and protect Tim, or will previous lies and secrets kill off what has been growing between the boys for fifteen years?

What We've Been Waiting For

“Will you just answer a question and stop asking them? Goddamn,” Tim said.


“There’s nothing going on, there’s nothing I’m keeping from you, we are still okay, and I’m okay,” Tom said. “I’m just going through something. It’s personal and I don’t feel like broadcasting it to the world,” he said.


“Since when am I the world?” Tim said. “We tell each other everything, it’s our thing. I’ve known the size of your underwear every year from third grade. It doesn’t get any more personal than that.”


Tom smiled and squeezed him harder before disentangling himself.


“I’m just worried about things, Timmy. About the future. I don’t have any doubts about us or the move,” Tom was quick to reassure. “It’s just the pressure of it all. I’ll be leaving home. We’re going to move in together and be a family. I’m going to take care of you and be responsible for you. We have the new school and new town and we still need to finish our exams here.”


Chapter 15