Chapter 12

“Just relax. There are ways around all that. I can go get assignments for you and get someone to take notes unless you’ve already got a study buddy.”

Jase shook his head, tears flowing from his eyes. “Naw. No study buddy. I was just trying to make it through each day.”

Steve gave Jase a kiss on the cheek. He patted Jase softly on the shoulder, turned, and dragged the visitor chair next to the hospital bed.

“Okay, look. Since you’re going to move into our place, there’s something we’ve got to talk about. This boyfriend business.” Steve sat.

“What?” Jase was more than startled. He sounded frightened. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just gonna say it. I don’t want to be boyfriends.”

“What? No! Wait. You don’t? Why? What did I do?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just, I don’t think I’m boyfriend material, you know. If it’s okay, I just want us to be friends. Really, really good friends.”

“I don’t get it.” Jase looked exhausted and confused.