Page 90 of Bad Boy
We didn’t see the twins at school today, and I’m sure Linc didn’t tell them over text that he punched his bathroom mirror.
“It’s nothin’,” he mumbles, tucking his hand into the giant pocket of his hoodie.
“It’s clearly somethin’, Lincoln James!” she scolds him, using the middle name and everything. Pink settles into his cheeks, and he blushes adorably, ducking his head.
“I just. . . I kind of had a freak out last night,” he admits, not making eye contact with anyone, and I’m a little surprised he’s going to tell them.
“Why? Because of us? I mean, because of what our parents said?” She places her cute little hand on his arm, and I automatically stiffen, even though I know it’s completely unreasonable. She doesn’t know he’s gay. She doesn’t know we’re together. And she’s been nothing but sweet to him his entire life. I know this. But the caveman in me wants to beat on my chest and yell that he’s mine.
“Y-yes. Because I can’t do it, Sierra. I can’t live a lie that big.”
There’s an extended pause, and no one says anything or moves a muscle.
“I-I’m gay,” he blurts, and it’s a little smoother than when he came out to me, but not by much.
“Oh, Linc.” Her hand slips to his uninjured one, and she squeezes, her brilliant smile stretching wide. “I’m so happy you felt comfortable enough to tell me. To tell us.” She nudges her brother. “Right, Grady?”
He clears his throat, swiping his floppy curls away from his forehead, only to have them fall forward again. “Y-yeah, man. Really, that’s great.”
Lincoln subconsciously leans into me, and her inquisitive amber eyes don’t miss a beat, landing straight on mine.
“And you. . .?”
“Bisexual.” I grin mischievously.
Her lip quirks. “And you two. . .?”
“Are boyfriends,” Linc blurts out again.
“Ohmygod!Oh my God! OH MY GOD! I knew it! Well, I didn’t know it, know it. But y’all just hit it off so fast. Your friendship has been a relationship the whole time?”
We look at each other and shrug. “Pretty much,” I answer truthfully.
She squeals, doing some kind of weird happy dance on her pillows.
“Well, I’m happy if Linc is happy. And it really seems like you have been the past couple of weeks.”
“Thanks, Grady,” Linc mumbles, and I wrap my arm around his shoulder, pulling him into me now that we don’t have to hide.
Sierra squeals again and claps her hands together. “You two are so freakin’ cute together! I’m goin’ to die!” I roll my eyes at her dramatics.
“In all seriousness, y’all don’t have to come out to our parents if you’re not ready. We can pretend, Linc,” Sierra offers in her usual sweet, mild-mannered way. “I’m okay with that, for now.”
She’s absolutely gorgeous, inside and out. And I feel the need to protect her, just like I do Linc. They share an innocence and vulnerability that vultures like Brandon like to prey on. Not under my fucking watch.
“Thanks, Sierra. But, I’m done livin’ my life for them. We’re not hidin’ this, and we plan to start tellin’ people, soon. But if you could just keep it under wraps for now. . .” His mismatched gaze bounces between his friends, the soft orange glow from the lanterns highlighting the golden flecks in his emerald eye. I can’t stop staring at him. I clear my throat before I tongue him in front of his friends and give Grady a stroke and Sierra a lady boner.
“Of course,” Sierra agrees, and Grady nods his head.
“Should we do a group hug or some shit?” I ask, only slightly joking. I’m down if they are.
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
LINC
After coming out to Grady and Sierra last night and having them be so accepting, I feel lighter and more myself as the four of us eat our lunch, discussing the nextCall of Dutyrelease. It’s Friday, and I’m looking forward to a peaceful weekend hanging out with Remi. Grady and Sierra, too.
“Maybe we could all meet at my house and go swimmin’ tonight? Order pizza and game?”
