Page 83 of Burn It Down

“And I’m not going to tell you because I want you to feel the full effect.”

“What does that even mean?” I laugh.

“You’ll see.”

Time flies in the car with Jake. We talk constantly and between holding hands and me placing my hand on his thigh when traffic gets heavy, we touch each other incessantly. We sing along to Beautiful Deceit’s album playing low in the background. I was sure to pack my favorite shirt for tomorrow’s concert and I’m wearing my hat with their logo on it as we speak.

A little over two-and-a-half hours later, Jake takes an exit about thirty-five miles outside of the city and I’m confused as hell because I know for a fact the concert is downtown. I had assumed we’d be staying somewhere close to the venue.

We drive through the countryside for a while and Jake’s smile grows wider with each turn onto another road.

He finally makes a call and instead of allowing it to play through the speaker, he holds the phone to his ear so I can’t hear the other end of the conversation.

“Ten minutes.”Pause.“Nope, not a clue.”Pause.“Oh, yeah. You’re sure he doesn’t mind?”Pause.“He is.”Pause.“Thanks, Tim. You too.” He hangs up the phone.

“Tim? Like your brother?” I ask, getting excited. “You’re introducing me to your brother? Is he coming?” It feels mildly terrifying to meet Jake’s brother — like, what if he thinks I’m not good enough? But then I remember that Tim was basically ostracized by Steve Ellington too, so maybe we can bond over that.

Beside me, Jake laughs. “Yes, my brother. Yes, he’s coming…kind of.”

“Kind of? Nothing you’re saying makes sense.” My own excitement is ramping up as a reflection of his.

Ten minutes later we pull up to a gatehouse. Jake flashes his driver’s license at the guard and we’re waved through to the neighborhood beyond and that’s when it hits me.

“Oh! We’re staying with your brother, aren’t we? Cool.” I’m looking out the window at homes that look like they should house NFL players and other celebrities. “What did you say your brother does for a living?”

He gives me that damn smirk again. “I didn’t.”

Jake turns into the driveway of a monstrous, stone mansion. A four-car garage is on the left side of the wide driveway and an Aston Martin is parked out front. The main house has aboutfifteen different A-frame roof lines with windows everywhere…and is that a turret?

“Jake, I think I’m a little underdressed.”

“Trust me, you’re more perfect than you know,” he reassures me, putting the SUV in park.

Feeling self-conscious, I pull my hat off and smooth my hair down before replacing the hat on my head.

The front door opens and I see a man who resembles Jake, but looks far more like their father. He’s tall as shit, at least 6’4” and built more like me with muscle everywhere. His face softens as Jake gets out of the car and Tim throws his arms wide for his little brother.

“Jacob, it’s so good to see you.” The men embrace.

“You, too, Tim. It’s been too long, man. Look, I really,reallyappreciate this. I know with the new baby the timing isn’t ideal for guests.”

“Nah, it’ll be good for them. He wouldn’t have said yes if he had a problem with it.”

Jake nods and turns his attention toward me. He leads his brother to where I’m standing and as soon as he can reach me, Jake puts his hand on my back.

“Tim, this is…” he pauses and takes a deep breath. “This is Dylan. My boyfriend.”

Tim’s eyebrows shoot sky high as his eyes snap to Jake’s.

Jake laces the fingers of his right hand with those of my left and nods. “Yeah…we have a lot to catch up on.” Tim schools his features as he nods and holds his hand out to me. When his eyes finally find mine, it’s clear he’s not judging Jake or I for being gay, he’s just shocked to find out here and now.

“Dylan, I’ve heard a lot about you…not enough, apparently,” he cuts his eyes to Jake, “but still, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You too, sir.”

Tim barks in laughter. “For fuck’s sake, don’t call me sir. Tim is fine. We’re all friends here.” He instantly puts me at ease as he claps me on the shoulder. “The hat’s a nice touch. He’ll like that.”

Confusion paints my brow and I shrug a shoulder not knowing what he means. “It’s just my favorite hat.”

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