Page 34 of Boys Like You

“I already did my research.” I look up at her, my eyes pleading. She can’t deny me of this, not when they’re my life support right now. I don’t have anyone or anything else.

“I’m sure you all did.” She smiles, writing something down in a small notebook.

“Rory’s got connections, and his principal will take me under their exchange student program as long as we get the sign off from you and a letter stating I’m in the system and my circumstances.”

“Hmm, well I can’t see why not, as long as you go to therapy twice a week and see your doctor regularly, and if any of them tell me it is too much for you then we pull the plug.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised it was that easy.

“Yes, really. We’re not here to make your life harder, JD. We want what is best, and education is very important, plus it gives you something to do.”

We chat a little more before heading back to the living room. Marlene asks to talk to Beth in private, so they go into the kitchen to have a coffee.

“Did you ask her yet?” Rocky asks as if I have been keeping him in suspense.

“Yep,” I say, giving nothing away.

“Tell us already,” Mercer demands.

“She said yes.” The guys whoop and high five. “As long as I keep going to therapy and my doctor’s appointments.”

Levi picks me up and spins me around. I’m momentarily stunned as are the others. I think our talk eased his mind. I don’t want to take his position in the guys’ lives but I can’t be sorry that they are opening up around me. It means a lot to me that they all feel comfortable around me.

***

I decide to ride with Levi, so I can maintain building trust with him. We’re heading over to Maximus’s house; Savannah told her parents about me and they insisted that he bring me for lunch.

We pull up into the driveway of a one storey brick house with a small garden of flowers right by the front door. Rocky leads the way and just walks in; a sign of true friendship. Maximus walks beside me, and we walk in together. Savannah greets us before we even hit the lounge room carpet.

“You should see all the food Mum has made, she has gone crazy. It’s like she thinks the royals are coming for lunch.”

We follow Savannah through the house and out into an inbuilt patio area with potted plants around the walls. A trestle table sits in the centre, with a white tablecloth covered in food. Sandwiches, cold meats, salads, crusty breads, pasta salads and that is just at first glance. A second table sits beside it on the patio, all ready for us to sit.

“Mum,” Savannah says, and a woman maybe in her late forties turns our way. She is stunningly beautiful. She reminds me of Julia Roberts. “This is JD… JD, this is our mum, Danielle.”

“Hi, it’s lovely to meet you.” She holds out her hand. I take it, keeping the panic down. “Oh, and this is my husband, Rob.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Rob has a kind face, greying hair and isn’t overly tall.

“I can’t believe my Maximus has a girlfriend,” she gushes.

“She isn’t his girlfriend, Mum,” Savannah corrects.

“I meant a girl who is a friend.” I watch as all the guys get a plate each from Rob.

“Sure you did,” Savannah adds with sarcasm. Her mum just brushes her comment off. Maximus hasn’t left my side.

“Help yourselves to some food then go play some pool when you’re all finished eating. Savannah’s friends will be here soon and can join you.” Levi groans from across the room.

We all fill our plates, the guys more so than me. I take a seat at the table next to Maximus, and Savannah sits to my right beating Mercer to the seat. She pokes her tongue at him as he grumbles and takes a seat on the opposite side of the table, across from me.

Three girls walk out the back sliding door and into the patio. Savannah squeals, getting up and going to hug them. She tells them to get food and join the table.

It’s amusing to see all the guys switch chairs, almost tipping them over, just so they are next to each other. The girls all take the empty seats beside Savannah.

“JD, I want you to meet my friends, Mandy, Becca and Naomi.”

“Hi,” I say, not knowing which is which; not that it matters with the way they’re all staring at me.

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