Page 131 of Touchdown, Tennessee
“It’s an easy road trip, and I like driving.”
“I’m so fucking proud of you, Gray,” I said, leaning over to squeeze him in a tight hug.
I never wanted to let him go.
“I’m excited, Andrew. I’ve never lived anywhere but Tennessee. This is amazing.”
“You’re a genius. I’ve always known you’re a genius. You’re going to get into all of the schools, I know it.”
“There’s only one place I want to go tonight to celebrate.”
I couldn’t keep the smile off of my face. “Max is going to fuckingflipwhen he hears.”
The whole ride to the Hard Spot felt like floating through time. I kept my palm on Gray’s thigh, and I couldn’t stop squeezing it, like I kept checking to see if I was dreaming.
When we got out at the bar and walked in, I was still grinning like an idiot as we walked up to the bar.
“That’s a happy face,” Max said.
“I got into Texas Austin for law school,” Gray said.
And for the first time, when I looked over at him, I saw tears forming inhiseyes.
Gray Gilman.
The master of controlling his own emotions was completely overcome.
My heart squeezed in my chest and I reached out to put my arm around his waist.
“You did it, my love,” I whispered near his ear.
Max was busy preparing a special celebration cocktail for Gray, distracted for a moment.
“Fuck,” Gray whispered, bringing the back of his hand up to wipe away a tear. “Andrew, there was a time I never thought I’d even be able to hold down any job.”
“That’s ridiculous. You’re so smart.”
“I know. But I just felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. Like no one would want me. And now…”
“People want you, Gray,” I told him. “Me especially.”
He sighed, smiling as his tears slowly dissipated. “You make me feel like I’m not a freak. Or like I still am a freak, and you love me for it, anyway.”
“Oh, I fuckin’loveyour style of freak,” I said. “Give me more of it. Never stop, please.”
Max swooped back in behind the bar, holding an orange drink in his hand.
“Okay,” Max said. “I call this the Gilman Orange Explosion. Cheers to you, Gray.”
He poured out small glasses for all of us, and we clinked them together, taking a sip.
“Fuck, that’s good,” I said.
“Secret ingredient is?—”
“Let me guess,” I said. “Cherry bitters?”
“Aged orange rind?” Gray added.
