Page 95 of Loving Leo

He examines me a moment before stepping back and letting us in. I deposit Selena on the couch, asking Jack to get her some water before moving to Leo’s bedroom without a backwards glance.

And as soon as I step foot inside, I see him. He’s sitting on the bed, his knees pulled up to his chest, his cheek on his crossed arms. He looks forlorn and lost, and my heart splits right down the middle. It’s made even worse when he sees me enter but doesn’t say anything, just watches me approach him.

“I’m so sorry, Leo.”

He swallows and his eyelashes flutter. “I know.”

My knees hit the edge of the bed and he sighs. “I get why you said it. Your mother is awful.”

“She is. They both are. I never wanted you to meet them.”

“I didn’t plan on that being your parent’s house. I hope you know that.”

“I do.”

“Asher just invited me and I took him up on it because I knew I’d just miss you if I sat around alone all day.”

“I know. I just…fuck, I know you heard what I said. You have to know you’re not nothing to me. You’re amazing and everything I want. And I’m sorry I didn’t say that to my mom.”

“You don’t owe me that. You don’t need to out yourself to anyone you don’t want to. Who you want, who you’re attracted to, is no one’s business but your own.”

“I know, but…”

“It’s fine, Heath. I’m fine. Thank you for coming by.”

I stand there and stare at him. Is he dismissing me? Is this over? My chest constricts and I press my fingers to the pain radiating there. I may not survive this.

“Do you want me to go?” I finally ask, my voice a wheeze.

He blinks at me and when he doesn’t answer, I nod, swallowing roughly. “Yeah, okay. I get it.”

I turn to leave, but he sighs.

“No, of course I don’t want you to leave. Come here. I want you to hold me. I missed you today. I hated not being able to touch you, to kiss you.”

I sag in relief and rush toward him, gathering him in my arms and pulling him into me. That pain recedes slightly as I inhale the scent of him.

“I’m sorry, Leo.”

“I am too. Sorry she found out. Sorry you had to deal with her hate.”

“I’m not sorry she found out. Selena and I will probably go no contact after this. I don’t know why I’ve been holding onto them for so long.”

“They’re your parents. We all want them to love us. Don’t give them up for me.”

“It’s no great loss.”

“It’s not!” Selena says, wobbling in our doorway. “They suck.”

“Selena, get out of here,” I grumble but she just moves toward us and flops down right on top of us.

“Jack is not into me so I’ve decided that I want a hug too. I am a sad and lonely woman.”

Leo huffs a laugh as he wraps his arm around her.

“You can stay here.”

“No, she cannot. Jack!”

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