Page 53 of The Jester and His Outlaw: Part One

“A paper cut? What?” another voice enters the room.Kai. The newest addition to our little brotherhood. I guess I needed sleep because it’s not normal for me to pass out in the middle of the day. They were both coming over to study. They must have let themselves in when I didn’t answer the door.

I don’t dislike Kai by any means. He’s a good guy. I’m just not as close with him as I am with Jensen. Maybe one day we’ll be there. I want to let him in for Jensen’s sake, for what they’ve got going on with Foxy, but it’s going to be hard for me to let him in. Jensen has already told me he understands, and he knows what a huge step it is for me to let him into my house today. Starting off with a nightmare isn’t how I wanted it to go, but such is my life.

“Nothing.” With a wave of my hand, I dismiss the conversation and roll myself off of my bed. Kai studies me, his familiar hazel eyes filled with wisdom and stories. He doesn’t believe my easy eviction of the conversation one bit. Eventually, though, he lets it go and sits down at my desk.

With the three of us in here, the room is fucking small. Kai is taller than Jensen, but not as built. While quiet, his presence alone is dominating, and I wonder how the hell Foxy handles both of them.

“She’s a big personality.” Kai laughs knowingly, reading my thoughts, but it’s sheepish.

“Always has been,” Jensen adds when I’m caught watching them. They break out in laughter, and I can’t help but appreciate the surrounding glow. Good for them.

“Did you stop in and see Gramma?” Jensen nods.

“Yeah, she fussed me out because I didn’t immediately introduce her to my handsome dark-haired friend.” Kai’s chest rumbles with a chuckle.

“Sounds about right,” I mumble, wiping the sweat off of my face with the hem of my shirt.

“I’m sorry about her diagnosis. That’s rough, man,” Kai offers. Jensen stiffens, and I pause, unsure what to say. I want to be upset that he knows, but if I’m going to let him in, let him be around me, he’s going to learn things.

“Yeah, thanks. She’s not going to let it stop her. At least as long as she can help it.” The smile I give is sad, but it’s a smile. He says nothing else on the topic and instead rifles through his backpack and pulls out his textbook. We fall into an easy flow of working on homework and studying with one another.

By early evening, we’re spent. Gramma has been up and around teasing us each time she checks in. I want to tell her to lie down and reserve her energy, but what would she be saving it for? So, I don’t mention it and let her do what she wants. One day, soon, I’ll be hoping for her to pop her head in. One day when she will no longer be here to do it.

“I don’t know about you two, but I’m famished.” Jensen stretches his large body and scratches at his chest before he rubs his stomach.

“Who the fuck says famished, you prestigious asshole?” I toss at him. He narrows his eyes at me.

“What, is that your word of the day or something?” Kai joins in.

Jensen chuffs as he stands. “Fuck off, both of you. I was gonna buy both of you dinner, but now I’m not. You’re on your own.” Jensen spears me with a look because we both know I wouldn’t let him buy my food, anyway.

CHAPTER24

I’m sittingin the library one afternoon. Aside from hockey and school work, the week has been uneventful. Foxy was supposed to meet me here, but once again, she ditches. I’m not sure what’s going on with her lately, but she is up Jensen’s ass. Am I jealous? Yeah, I am.

My bestie is spending time with someone else. I’m happy for her, but I miss her. On top of that, she isn’t being forthcoming about what is going on. Is she with Jensen? Is she with Kai? Hell, she might be dating both of them, and if she is, then… rude for not telling me.

Neither she nor Kai have said a word. My own brother. Maybe he thinks I’m not okay with them dating? Which I totally am. I think they’re great together, just like I think she is great for Jensen as well. Both at the same time…? Good for her.

If anyone can handle two hotter than life guys, it’s Foxy. I will stand by their sides. I just don’t see how well a three-way relationship will go down in our society. No doubt our parents are going to freak out about it. Bleudale’s next big scandal. I’m going to talk to her and see what the hell is up and why she won’t talk to me. It’s hurting my feelings.

I laugh to myself. If I told her she’d smack me and tell me to get over it. But for real, I want her to fill me in on her life and why she’s not sharing.

John Mayer is singing to me through my AirPods and for the last twenty minutes I’ve been tapping my pencil on the table doing nothing. I’m the only one in the library, which is surprising. Typically, the afternoons are busy. Not that I’m complaining, being the only one here is nice.

A looming darkness cascades over me from behind. It takes the shape of a man as it drapes over the table. I recognize the messy hair even in the shadows. The hood helps as well.

Riggs.

Immediately, I bristle.

While quiet and not openly ignoring me, he hasn’t been super sociable either this week. We’ve said hi a few times and had short civil conversations, as he appears to be letting go of my past with Sam and what I did.

I pluck an earbud from its place and twist over my shoulder to eye him.

Why is he standing behind me like a creeper? Such a weirdo. He’s smiling warmly down at me, though. It’s a kind smile, much better than he’d looked on Monday when I’d joined him for lunch, but there is always still a hint of sadness intertwined in him no matter which mask he wears, like it stains his soul.

Regardless, I don’t think I will ever grow tired of his smiles.

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