Page 83 of The Hookup Mix-up

I call Mom while Perry is with his dad and update her on everything that’s happened—the heart attack, Perry deciding he’s ready to try and have a relationship with his dad, and even the vision thing. I’m excited to explore that possibility. If that’s not the answer, I’ll get through it, but I’m anxious to hear what they say. Mom is on board with helping me in any way she can, but she also lets me know she’s there for Perry too.

“I’m going to text him to send him my love. Should we come down? Is there anything we can do?”

Her words don’t come as a surprise, but they fill me with joy all the same. I love knowing that Perry will have them in his corner too because my man deserves the world.

“You don’t have to come down, but I know he’ll appreciate you letting him know you’re thinking about him.”

“I’ll do that, then,” Mom says, a smile in her voice.

We talk for a few more minutes before ending the call.

I pull out my laptop and try to get some schoolwork done, but my mind is wandering. Every time I try to focus, Perry’s smile pops into my head, or his whiskey-colored eyes, how he told me he needed me, the way his hand feels in mine.

I’ve got it so bad for him, it’s ridiculous. I hope things work out with his dad. I know how bad it’ll hurt Perry if they don’t. He’s been holding in for so long this need to be a part of his dad’s life that I can’t imagine what it will do to him if something messes that up.

It feels like a lifetime passes before my phone buzzes with a text.

Knight in Shining Armor: Hey, I’m done. Can I come over?

Me: Yeah, absolutely. Did everything go okay?

Knight in Shining Armor: It was awesome. I’ll tell you about it when I get there.

Weight I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying falls off my chest. Today was good for him, and that’s a start.

Casey and Jack are downstairs playing video games when I get there, Jack’s gaze darting up to ask, “Wanna play?”

“No, I’m good. Perry’s on his way over.”

“Be sure to leave the door open. You’re too young to be in the room with your boyfriend without adult supervision,” Casey teases, making me roll my eyes.

“You’re an idiot.”

“It’s why you love me—oh fuck. I can’t believe I missed that shot,” he complains at the game, and I chuckle before heading outside.

I mean, it’s nice for a guy to wait outside for his boyfriend, right? I’m not overeager at all. Well, yes, it’s me, so I am overeager, and the thing is, I don’t even care.

Time drags, and it feels like a hundred years before Perry’s car is pulling up to the curb. I head straight for him, and before I can say anything, he throws his arms around me and pulls me to him. “God, I’m so fucking happy, Puppy.”

“I’m happy for you too.”

“I don’t know if I would have done this without you.”

I don’t doubt he believes that, but I don’t think it’s true. Perry would have wanted a relationship with his dad no matter what, and he would have made it happen with or without me.

“Yes, you would have. Come on. Let’s go inside so we can talk.”

I take his hand and head back to the house. Jack and Casey shout hellos, but I keep pulling Perry with me.

“I’m keeping him to myself for now. We’ll talk to you guys later.”

Perry laughs. “Aw, my man is staking his claim. Sorry, guys.”

“Are you complaining?” I toss the question at him.

“No. Absolutely not.” Perry grins.

When we get to my room, I close the door behind us. “Tell me all about it.”

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