Page 87 of Lost Boy
“God. He’s amazing,” I voice my thoughts aloud in complete awe.
“Yeah, that’s some serious talent, dude. He could go places.”
“Yeah. Thanks for helping me find him, Jamie.”
“Of course, bro. Text me if you need anything else, but I’m gonna head home. It's been a hell of a weekend.”
“We won’t need anything. Enjoy your Sunday.” I pat him on the shoulder before we do our signature handshake, and he disappears into the forest behind us.
I focus on the breathtaking sight before me. The sun glistens off the sapphire waters of Acadia Lake. The trees are ancient, and the water is deep. It brings a certain beauty, and so does Fallon, sitting in stark contrast against the muted colors of nature. He’s so vibrant, even when he’s sad. His soul calls to mine, and I join him on the old wooden bench, careful not to scare him.
He slowly finishes playing, turning those deep blue eyes to me.
“That was incredible,” I whisper.
“Did you pass?” he asks.
“Yeah, Fal. I passed. Now tell me what happened to you. I know those fuckers did something.” I reach out and trail my thumb over his cheek and down to his lips, tugging on his piercing, entranced as always.
“Can we just go home, Ry? Please?”
Fuck. When he looks at me like that, I can’t say no. I just want to scoop him up and squeeze him to my chest. Maybe rut against him until we both come in our pants again.
“Yeah, Blue. We can go home.” I hold my hand out, and he places his smaller one in mine. I squeeze tight, lifting him to his feet and taking the guitar, slinging it over my back. He doesn’t need to carry anything when I’m around. I’m a gentleman.
I rest my arm over his shoulder, tucking him close as we head back to my truck. We’re both ready to get home and put this trust-building bullshit behind us.
* * *
I decide to walk Fallon inside. He was quiet the entire ride back, but he needs to tell me what happened. He can’t keep ignoring me.
“How was the test?” Joel asks, strolling out of the kitchen with my Dad and Sofie on his heels.
The camp counselors were the adults running the show; Joel and Coach Patterson only stopped by for support and dinner.
“It was fine. Everyone passed. Still don’t trust half my team, though. And definitely not the Jefferson douchebags.”
“Mijo!” Dad reprimands me, and Sofie giggles. He would change his tune real quick if he knew all the shit they did to Joel’s house, to Fallon, and especially to Sofie.
I just need to get through one week of practice, then one final game. That’s it. Just ream them at State, and then I never have to be concerned with the juvenile bullshit of high school sports again. I hope college will be better, and maybe I won’t even have to stay four years. The NBA is my endgame.
I glance at my coach and possible future stepdad. “Sorry, Joel,” I say apologetically. “I’ll keep the guys in line. No more pranks.”
“I’m holding you to that as captain, Ryder,” Joel says sternly, his coach hat firmly in place.
I nod once. “Won’t let you down.”
I already told Cole to knock it off before he gets me kicked off the team or out of school. He’s adding fuel to the fire every time he retaliates.
“We’re going to run this stuff upstairs,” I hold Fallon’s guitar case and my extra gear bag up. “But we’ll probably go back to our place and relax for the day.”
“Oh, but can’t we hang out later? After you take a nap or whatever you’re going home to do together?” I nearly choke on my own spit at Sofie’s innocent comment. “Pretty please, bro beans? I miss you both!”
I glance at Fallon. We’re both exhausted, but it’s hard to say no to her. He gives me a subtle nod of approval.
“What do you want to do later?”
“Late lunch at the country club! Fallon would love the food.” She shuffles over to Fallon in her fluffy rainbow socks, latching onto his arm and peering into his eyes. “I’ve been wanting to take you, possible future step cuz.”
