It’s not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it’s even more difficult when you’re young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general “club culture” and he knows he’d never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn’t waste time dreaming about what he can’t have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love -- against all common sense and logic.<br><br>Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect ...

From Behind that Locked Door

“I—you’re right. We’ll leave together. But we have to leave. Today. We’re not safe here.”


Henri’s face changed from distress to happiness. She ran up to Jack and hugged him.


Zoe brought her own hands together and interlaced her fingers. She smiled. “I’ll get our stuff together.”


Cillian sat down, emotionally spent. He didn’t think he could survive on his own, even if he really wanted to. He still had hallucinations that he couldn’t differentiate from reality. Driving a car by himself would be especially difficult.


With a sigh, Jack stared at him from across the room. “Thank you. I’ll get us a rental.” He carefully pried Henri off of him, turned around, and left. Zoe ushered the girl away from the door and closed it.


Henri wandered over to Cillian and sat next to him. “Don’t ever leave us, okay?”


Chapter 83