Page 138 of Pride High 3: Yellow
“The—” Graham swallowed and glanced around for support. The only person still at his side was Troy, who was standing in front of Anthony and glaring like they were about to square off. “The Asian guy,” Graham finished lamely.
“That’s my boyfriend,” Diego said. Then he hooked an arm around Anthony’s neck and pulled him in close. “Thisis my bitch. Got a problem with that?”
“It’s fucking disgusting,” Troy spat.
“Nobody asked you to watch,” Diego replied easily, as if they were having a casual conversation. “Get your own piece of ass instead of chasing after mine.”
Graham made a face. “We weren’t—”
“Get your own!” Diego growled.
Troy looked to Graham. So did the others. They all seemed nervous.
“Whatever,” Graham said. “You’re both gonna burn in Hell.”
“I’ve already been there,” Diego replied. “They made me their king.”
Graham clearly didn’t know what to make of this. Anthony thought it was badass. And kind of scary, but hey, as long as that burning sword was pointed in someone else’s direction…
“I could wipe the floor with you,” Graham huffed, “but I’d probably get AIDS when you started to bleed so…” He walked around them and kept going. The other guys managed halfhearted laughs before following.
Diego finally released him.
“Thanks,” Anthony squeaked while rubbing his throat.
“I didn’t do it because I like you.” Diego pointed down the hall. “I did it because I hate him.”
“That’s fine,” Anthony said. “I appreciate it anyway. No matter your reasons.”
Diego shrugged and resumed walking.
Anthony hurried to keep up, even though he was moving deeper into the school. “Can we talk?” he asked.
“Nope.”
“Okay, then I will, and hopefully you’ll listen, because I’m sorry.”
Diego stopped, raised his face toward the ceiling, and turned toward him with a sigh. “For what?”
“Everything,” Anthony said. “We messed up. When we were younger. We didn’t know how to deal with any of it.”
“Oh yeah?” Diego asked with a scowl. “Because it sure seems like you came up with a solid plan and stuck to it. Just treat your best friend like he died along with his dad. Easy, right?”
“No,” Anthony said with a swallow. “It wasn’t easy, but I—”
“Wanted Omar all to yourself.”
Anthony shook his head. “That wasn’t the reason.”
“You sure about that?”
“I wantmoreof him. All right? It wasn’t about having him to myself. I just wanted more. You wouldn’t understand. Or maybe you would. I don’t know.” Anthony exhaled. “Ricky is meeting me in the parking lot. If you want to say hi to him.”
Diego shook his head. “Don’t think this gives us common ground. Because it doesn’t.”
Anthony made a face. “How could it not? Unless you’re not actually gay. Or bi or whatever. Are you?”
Diego laughed without humor. “It never takes long before I end up on trial before Judge Anthony. How about you mind your own fucking business?”
