Page 66 of Breaking Free

“He let it be known you’d never be able to leave him,” I say. “What happened to him was your way out. If he never died, you’d never be free.”

She nods. “Anyway, I’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.”

* * *

It’shours later when my phone dings with an alert. I scoot back from the desk in my room where I was doing homework and check it.

Campbell:Hey

I grinat his simple message.

Me:Hey

He’s probably rollinghis eyes at me now, because I didn’t say more, but I know he has to have texted me for a reason, so this is just me making him get to the point without me having to drag it out of him.

Campbell:What’re you doing right now?

Me:Homework. You?

Campbell:I just left my parents house

Me:Oh?

My heart picksup speed a little and I don’t know whether it’s out of fear or excitement. Did he come out to them? If so, what does that mean? I like him. I really do. But am I ready for an actual relationship? Does he think that once he’s out to everyone that we’ll be together? Do I want that? My initial response isfuck yes, but my lifetime of trauma comes rearing its ugly head and I think maybe it’s best if we keep things casual.

Campbell:Yeah. You alone? Can I go over?

I’ve never been tooprideful, but after seeing both Trevor and Dex’s houses, and knowing all of them come from money, the idea of him seeing my house gives me pause. I’m not a rich kid, and my past is far from ideal. Letting him come over feels a lot like letting him closer to the vulnerable parts of me, and I don’t think I’m ready for that.

Me:I can meet you somewhere. That burger place again?

Campbell:Okay. Be there in fifteen.

It takesme a little over twenty minutes because my house is on the outskirts of town, but when I show up, Trevor’s sitting at a table outside, his leg bouncing. When he spots me, it stops, and he grins.

“Hey.”

My lips pull up on one end. “You’re a man of many words.”

He makes a noise, his eyes rolling upwards. “Didn’t know there was a specific way I was supposed to greet you.”

“The way you greeted me last night is acceptable.”

His cheeks flush. “I don’t think all these people would appreciate that scene.”

I bite down on my lip. “Not like I did.”

His smile widens as he glances away, a small chuckle leaving his lips. “Anyway, I wanted to tell you something.”

“Okay.”

Before he can say anything, Coach Bennett walks by, spotting us. “Oh hey, boys.”

“Hey Coach.”

“Hey,” we both say at the same time.

“Ready for Glen Prep?” he asks.

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