Page 101 of Home in Nevada

The one where Jeff is totally not jealous.

ThedaybeforeLucyflies back to L.A., she throws a party downstairs by the apartment complex pool. And not just a casual little thing—no, it’s a full-on event. Tea lights are scattered everywhere like she’s setting up some kind of Pinterest fever dream. They’re going to be a nightmare to clean up, but Lucy insisted. Said they made the place “look less shitty” or something like that.

I have no idea how the apartment manager agreed to this. All I know is we have to shut it down by ten.

It’s not the biggest space, but it’s nice. A few benches, plenty of seating, a barbecue in the corner that’s already been put to good use. It’s technically a housewarming party for Jamie and me, and a goodbye party for Lucy.

But somehow, it’s also turning into a weird high school reunion.

Jamie kept in touch witheveryone. I don’t know how, but he did. And now, half the people we grew up with are here, and it’s kind of blowing my mind.

Small town shit.

Jamie prepped me for this, saying everyone already knew we were moving in together. No big deal. Even my own mom had turned my relationship with Jamie into her latest gossip during her daily phone calls—thanks, Mom—and now I’m officially the neighborhood’s hottest topic.

So yeah. Everyone here knows. I don’t have to come out to anyone. And apparently, everyone’s cool with it.

How the hell did I luck out this much?

It doesn’t make sense. I spent years terrified of this exact moment—of people finding out, of judgment, of whispers behind my back. I convinced myself that if anyone knew, it would be over for me. That I'd be branded and everything would change. But here I am, standing at this party,ourparty, and… no one cares.

No weird looks. No awkward silences. No one making it a thing.

I scan the crowd, drink in hand, letting my mind wander. Maybe Jamie was right. Maybe peopledidknow back in high school and just… never said anything. Maybe I was the only one making it a big deal.

The thought makes me cringe.

I was so sure I was hiding it. I went out of my way to keep my distance, making excuses, shutting down anything that might’ve looked too obvious when it came to how I really felt about Jamie. I dated girls, forced myself into roles I didn’t fit, shoved down feelings I didn’t want to deal with.

And for what?

To protect a secret that wasn’t even a secret?

I was young and stupid. And apparently, oblivious too.

I take another sip of my drink, the ice knocking against the plastic.God, I’m a fucking moron.

Lucy nudges me, yanking me back to reality. She’s got her feet in the pool, her voice a little slurred, eyes shining with that tipsy kind of sincerity.

“Hey Jeff, can I go get your surfboard?”

I blink at her. “...For what?”

“For the pool, genius,” she says, likeI’mthe idiot.

I squint, taking a slow sip from my red cup. “...Thefucking pool, Lucy?”

She bursts out laughing. “Duh!”

“No.”

“Fine, be that way…” She leans back on her hands, tilting her head toward me. Then, softer, “I’m gonna miss you.”

That one hits harder than I expect.

Lucy’s basically my little sister. The thought of her not being around all the time anymore feels… weird.

She’s special—like Jamie.

---