“I was an asshole,” I admit quietly.
Blaze smirks.“You don’t say.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.Yeah, I was an asshole.But somehow, Cameron saw past that.And now?He’s the best thing in my life.
“You’re still an asshole,” Blaze adds, chuckling.
“Maybe.But at least I’m a lucky one.”
Blaze shakes his head, but I can see the faint smile on his face.
And for a moment, it feels like we’re both trying to figure out how to make amends with the people we care about most.
“You’re in love, huh?Should I be surprised?”Blaze asks, his smirk practically audible through the screen.
I roll my eyes and light another cigarette, placing it between my lips.“Yeah.And I don’t even know how to tell him.”
Blaze chuckles.“You could just kiss him and whisper it in his ear.Totally sexy.”
I scoff, shaking my head.“It’s not that simple, man.I’ve never told anyone I loved them before.It’s…weird to even think about saying it out loud.”
“It’s that simple,” Blaze insists with a grin.
“Right,” I mutter, flicking ash into the tray.
Blaze leans closer to the camera, his expression softening.“Who knew you’d ever fall in love?Especially with a dude.God really works in mysterious ways.But seriously, Fox, I’m happy for you.I’ve never seen you this…happy.It’s like you’re a different person.”
I try not to smile, but he’s not wrong.Cameron makes me happy in a way I never thought possible.He’s changed me, made me better, and—God help me—I don’t know how I’d survive without him.
“Speechless now, huh?”Blaze teases, his smirk widening.“Damn, Fox Wilder, lost for words?That’s a first.”
“Jesus, Blaze, shut the fuck up,” I mutter, though there’s no heat in my tone.“And while we’re at it, let’s not forget who needs to work on getting their man back.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever, man.”Blaze waves me off before his expression turns serious.“But have you thought about the fallout?You know, how people are gonna react when they find out about you and Cam?”
I lean back, blowing smoke out of my mouth.“I don’t give a shit what people think.Who I love is nobody’s business but mine.If anyone has a problem with it, they can deal with me.”
Blaze tilts his head, unconvinced.“That’s fine for you, but what about Cam?You think he’s ready for the pressure?For the judgment?”
I don’t answer immediately, my mind replaying all the ways people react to what they don’t understand.Some stay quiet, hating from the shadows.Others sneer and whisper as you walk by.And then there are the assholes—the ones who feel the need to hurt you just to make a point.
The thought of anyone hurting Cam makes my blood boil.If anyone lays a finger on him, I swear I’ll break every bone in their body.
“I haven’t thought much about it,” I admit finally.
“You should,” Blaze says firmly.“You’re living in your little bubble right now, but love like this doesn’t stay secret forever.And Cam deserves more than being kept in the shadows.”
“He’s not a secret,” I snap, my voice low but sharp.
Blaze rolls his eyes.“He is, Fox.No one knows except me and his friends.Nobody else.Have you thought about holding his hand in public?Taking him on real dates where people can see you?”
“I have,” I say defensively.“We’ve done that.It’s not about hiding, Blaze.It’s about keeping our relationship private.It’s nobody’s business, and that doesn’t make it a secret.”
Blaze raises his hands in mock surrender.“Alright, alright.But don’t fool yourself into thinking it’ll be easy.At some point, you’re gonna have to make a choice.”
“I’ve already made my choice,” I say firmly.“And it’s him.Always him.”
Blaze doesn’t press further, but I can see the wheels turning in his head.
