Page 62 of Beyond the Summer

As he moved towards the door, I held my breath.What fresh hell was waiting for us on the other side?More media drama?Angry conservatives?My father's lawyers?Angry conservative lawyers?

Ben pulled open the door, and I braced myself for the worst.

Instead, a tidal wave of familiar faces came pouring into the cabin.Aiden and Jay burst in first, followed closely by Parker and Ravi.Behind them all was Kaito Yamada, Aiden's grandfather.

"Holy shit, dude!"Aiden shouted, practically vibrating with excitement."You're fucking internet famous!"

Jay was grinning from ear to ear."We saw the video.That was some badass shit, Sutton.I guess now we know why you were at our wedding."

Parker shouldered his way forward, his eyes shining."I can't believe you stood up to your dad like that.In front of everyone!And that apology at the end."He clutched his heart dramatically, and I blushed, thinking of the words that had poured out of me after I'd introduced Ben to the world as my boyfriend—it had truly been word vomit, mostly comprising apologies to the people I'd hurt while trying to be an obedient son, including Parker.

Ravi was quiet, as always, speaking in thoughtful tones and giving me a soft smile."It was quite courageous."I didn't think he had ever smiled at me, and that warmed my heart.

Their enthusiasm was almost overwhelming."I… thanks, guys.I still can't believe I actually did it."

Parker stepped forward, his eyes warmer than they'd ever been.Before I could react, he wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry, man," he murmured into my ear."For all the shit between us.I wish I'd known what was going on with you."

I stiffened at first, surprised by the sudden physical contact.But as Parker's words sank in, I felt myself relax, returning the hug."I mean, I was an asshole."

Parker laughed, hugging me tighter so I could feel the rumble of his deep chuckle against my chest.Then he backed off and pumped a fist in the air."You all heard him.He was an asshole!"

"Fuck off."Smiling, I stepped away, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder.Despite our past, there was a certain comfort and warmth about Parker that I'd always appreciated, though I realized now that it was nothing compared to the way Ben made me feel.

"It's okay," I mumbled, not sure how to handle this sudden reconciliation."I wish I'd told you.Explained things."

"Nah.Things worked out for the best.I connected with Ravi because you were being a dick.And Ravi is the best thing that ever happened to me."

I glanced towards Ravi, who seemed to take that at face value, as if he was well aware that he was the best thing that had ever happened to Parker.

I thought about how Parker's rejection had led me to Ben, and ducked my chin, blushing."Well, I'm sorry for everything I did.I shouldn't have lashed out at you to mask my pain."

"Apology accepted," Parker said, beaming.He walked over to stand beside Ravi, bumping his shoulder against his boyfriend's."Especially since you did it on the internet in front of everyone.I can't believe you actually threw in an apology at the end there!That was fucking priceless!"

I ducked my head, wishing I could disappear into the floor."Yeah, well," I muttered, "I figured I might as well get all the apologies for my previous asinine behavior out of the way at once."

"Now I'm a little concerned about making a mistake," Ravi said."Apparently, to win his forgiveness, you need to apologize in front of nine million people on the internet after being verbally abused by your father.My father is a good guy!"

Parker burst out laughing and kissed Ravi's cheek."You'd never be a dick to me and mean it, babe.All you gotta do is potato out of it."

"What, now?"Ben asked, a curious smile playing around his lips.

"Long story," Parker said."It means that Ravi loves me, and I'm not worried, even if he sometimes puts his whole-ass foot in his mouth."

"Usually most of my lower leg, too," Ravi added, and everyone laughed.

"Are you getting married, too?"I blurted out the question before I could stop myself, then wondered if it was awkward.

Parker grinned."Probably.But not for a while.Jay and Aiden are crazy, at least according to Ravi's ten-year plan spreadsheet."

"Fuck off," Aiden said."When you know, you know.Why bother to wait?"

"It's all outlined in the spreadsheet," Ravi said, reaching for his phone, but Parker stilled his hand, laughing.

"What about you two?"Parker asked."Hey, no judgment here, dude.We knew something was going on between you two.Is Ben madly in love with your insanely beautiful face?"

My insanely beautiful face must have been redder than a tomato as Ben stepped up beside me, grabbing my hand.

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