Page 43 of Home for the Holidays

“Oh, Iris,” he whispered. “It was really great.”

She could hear the joy in his voice. “I’m seriously so happy for you. I want to hear all about it.”

“A gentleman never tells.”

She felt her eyes widen. “Holy shit, did you guys fuck?”

“Iris,” he hissed. “No, god. We did not have sex.” He sighed. “But we made out.”

“Oh?” She put him on speakerphone and placed it on her chest. “So you’re out to him now?”

“Well, I have a funny story too.” His silence was so telling.

“You didn’t tell him the truth, did you?”

“No, but I’mgoingto.”

“Zac, I swear, why weren’t you honest with him? Last night was the perfect opportunity to fix everything with this guy.” She groaned. “You’re going to be the death of me. You know that, right?”

“I froze. And it was easier to just not talk about it.”

Iris was irritated with him, but she also knew he was struggling so hard when it came to telling the people who were supposed to love him regardless. Telling Evan meant everyone else would follow, and quickly. “So he thinks you’re cheating on your super-hot girlfriend?” She didn’t let him answer. “When will you be back?”

“I’m going to get ready and come home now.”

“Zac, you don’t have to rush back. I’m not that mad at you.”

“I know,” he said softly. “It’s just, if I show up without you, they’re going to question me. I am not in the mood for their questions.”

“Have you considered,” she started softly as she moved her arm and stared back up at the ceiling, at Jason Bateman’s smile, “that they might already know you’re gay?”

He scoffed again. “Yeah, right. They know I’ve been into women my entire life.”

“Oh,really?”

“For sure.”

“Is that why I’m staring at a young Jason Bateman on your ceiling?”

“My cousin Barb left behind her copy ofTeen Beatwhen she babysat me. I think I was like seven.” He laughed as he recalled the memory. “I ripped it out and eventually put it up there because he wasgoals. That’s all.”

“Goals for what?” she asked with a laugh. “Hair goals?”

“Absolutely.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I know.” His soft puff of air was far too submissive.

“Just come home. We’ll discuss the plan.”

“What plan?”

“The one where you tell everyone I’m your roommate, not your girlfriend, and you come out of the goddamn closet.”

“Iris?”

She sat upright. Her head was throbbing. She was so mad at herself. “What?”

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