Page 36 of Worlds Collide

“Sounds perfect,” I tell her with a sigh and go to my room.

I’m debating whether I should shower before or after my nap when “Best Friend” by Saweetie and Doja Cat blares from my phone. I groan and drop my head back to look at the ceiling. Nosense in delaying the inevitable.Man, if Wolf knew what a pain in the ass it is that I was just outed to the world when I haven’t had the chance to tell even Adam, he’d be begging for forgiveness right now.

“You know, it really sucks to hear such an upbeat, happy song right before you’re going to yell at me. Or maybe not yell, but you’re going to lay the guilt on thick, aren’t you?”

Maybe it’s not the best way to start this conversation, but why beat around the bush? I know what’s coming.

“I, uh...” he starts, and I know just from the tone of his voice that this is going to be an emotional beating—as if this day hasn’t been eventful enough. “I understand that you probably didn’t tell me because of your parents. I get that, I do. But CJ, remember when I came out to you? Your first question was why didn’t I tell you, so it’s a little bit hard for me not to be offended right now. Also, it’s been months since you finally cut all contact with them, so why didn’t you tell me before I had to find out about it through the daily news? And last thing, I swear, seriously,Wolf?!” He screams the last word, and his harsh breaths tell me exactly how not on board he is with this.

“I see the hypocrisy, believe me, and I saw it six years ago too, when you told me you like dick.” The wording makes him laugh just like it did back then and we both breathe out a big sigh at the moment of levity. “You’re right about me not telling anyone because of my parents and because of the trust. You more than anyone know why I couldn’t keep letting them get away with using me that way.”

“I do,” he says urgently. “Believe me, I know that they’re horrible humans and probably would use anyone else for their gain if they had that chance.”

“Okay.” I am relieved that he understands that part. “Just likeyou, I knew the second I told one person, I’d feel the need to tell more people, and that was just too risky. And after I got the trust fund... There was just so much to do, Adam. I couldn’t find the right time to have this conversation and believe me, I am sorrier than you will ever know for how you found out.

“Last thing,yes, Wolf,” I say with emphasis. “He’s hot as fuck and I’ve had a crush on him forever. He also delivered, in case you were wondering, but after this morning I never want to see him again, you’ll be happy to hear that.” I can’t help the snark. I’ve swallowed it a million times before and now I never will again—except for when I’m at work, of course.

“I knew it!” I hear Sebas shout triumphantly in the background.

“Babe,” Adam says, clearly defeated.

“You can’t be mad, CJ, we’re married,” Sebas says in a hurried mumble. “What’s his is mine, you know? That includes you! You’re my best friend too. Well not really, God, please don’t tell Glenn I said that, he’s gonna kill me. I’m here for support, you know? We both knew this could be a difficult conversation and I just wanted to support my man. Please don’t be mad?—”

“It’s fine, Sebas. Breathe man, damn.” I hear him do just that and then snicker. “I’ll tell you all the details about Wolf later if you want, ’cause I bet Adam goodie two-shoes doesn’t want to hear any of it.”

“Uh, yeah. No, I don’t.”

“Ooh, yes thank you.”

“I know my people,” I say, pleased with myself.

“That guy is bad news,” Adam says, serious again. “I’m telling you CJ. He was sniffing around you even before he knew you weren’t straight.”

I roll my eyes to the ceiling. What the hell is wrong with Adam?

“You have absolutely no idea how wrong you are about Wolf,Adam.” And I’m not going to explain to him how Wolf’s the one who’s been avoiding me and running away at every turn. “Now is that all? I’m willing to talk to you guys about anything you want later, but I need to sleep.”

“That’s fine, yeah,” Adam says, still sounding just a little bit awkward. “Have you told my parents, though?”

I groan. “No, I’ll call them now.”

“Yeah, good luck with that. Not that you’ll need it, just, you know, they’re gonna make a fuss.”

“I know,” I tell him with a smile clear in my voice. “Talk soon.”

The conversation with Adam’s parents goes exactly like he predicted. They shower me with love and tell me they’re proud of me, and then we talk about everything else. Diana does ask me about Wolf. She tries to be subtle but that’s never really been her style. Gentle, kind, and loving, yes—but subtle, never.

“Are you in a relationship with the man from the picture?”

“No,” I tell her simply. Then reconsider. I’ll have to do better than that. Though I know they’re well aware that hookup culture is a thing, that’s not my style. I want a real relationship someday, with someone who trusts me and respects me. I want them to know that about me. “I thought it could become that eventually, but it looks like that might not happen now.”

“I’m sorry, baby,” she croons at me.

“It’s fine,” I say, clearly a lie but... “I’ll be fine. Just have to get over the shitstorm from the article and get back to work.”

“That’s the best way to look at it. And you’re doing a great job from what I heard.”

“What do you mean? Did you call Dr. Yang?” I demand, trying really hard to sound exasperated but failing miserably.

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