"You are?"I ask, surprised by his answer.
"Yeah.Blaze has been miserable without Landon, even if he won’t admit it."
I chuckle, shaking my head."It’s still crazy to think they had a thing.All this time, the tension between them wasn’t just hate—it was something more."
Fox nods in agreement, his lips quirking into a small smile."Blaze can be an idiot, but he’s finally doing something right."
I smile at the thought of Landon and Blaze finally finding their way back to each other.It’s like they’re following a path Fox and I are already walking.
After we finish eating, I glance at Fox, trying to muster the courage to ask what’s been on my mind.
"Are you ever going to tell your parents about us?"I ask quietly, my voice laced with hesitation.
Fox sighs, leaning back in his chair."Yeah.I’m planning to.I want to introduce you to them."
My heart skips a beat at his words, but I can’t help the nervous flutter that follows.
"I don’t think they’ll like that.It might ruin your chances of getting into med school next year."
"I don’t give a shit," he says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I bite my lip, looking down at my empty plate.The thought of telling my own parents weighs heavily on me.
"I’ve been thinking about going home this weekend," I admit, my voice tentative."I’ve been avoiding them, especially my mom, since she visited.But I think it’s time I tell them.They won’t like it—hell, my mom will throw a fit—but I need them to know.Even if they hate me for it."
"You know we don’t have to tell anyone if we’re not ready," Fox says, his voice gentle.
I chuckle softly, meeting his gaze."I should.It’s better if they hear it from me instead of someone else.Especially my dad.That would be…bad."
Fox sighs, reaching across the table to take my hand."You know I’m here for you, right?Whatever happens, you have me."
I smile at him, squeezing his hand."I know.And you have me, too."
He doesn’t say anything right away.Just looks at me—like really looks—and for a second, it’s like the noise around us fades.There’s something raw in his eyes, something that makes my throat tighten.Like he’s holding back all the things he’s too afraid to say out loud.
"Wanna go for a walk?"I propose, eager to stretch my legs and enjoy the fresh air.
Fox's lips curve into a small smile as he stands, taking my hand.I follow his lead, knowing he's more familiar with this side of the city.After just a few minutes of walking, we arrive at a secluded beach.The sun has set, leaving the sky painted with hues of deep purple and navy.The cool air brushes against my face, and I feel Fox's fingers tighten around mine as we wander along the shoreline.
"What was your sister like?"I ask, my curiosity tugging at the quiet between us.
Fox takes a moment to answer, his gaze fixed on the water ahead.His voice is soft when he finally speaks."She was great.Smarter than me, I think.She was sweet, a bookworm like you.She hated people and didn’t have many friends.We were close—she was my mom’s favorite.I told her everything, including the first girl I gave my virginity to."
I chuckle, a little caught off guard."What?"
Fox smirks, glancing down at me."Yeah.The sex wasn’t that great, though."
"Let me guess—she was a blonde," I tease, narrowing my eyes at him.
Fox laughs, the sound low and warm.He stops walking, pulling me into his arms as he rests his chin on top of my head.I glance around the beach, noticing a few couples scattered here and there, busy in their own worlds.
"Relax, babe.Nobody gives a shit about us right now.We’re not the first same-sex couple to hold each other on a beach," Fox whispers, his breath warm against my hair.
I nod, leaning into his chest."Good," I murmur, my voice muffled against him."So, was she blonde?"
Fox chuckles again, his lips brushing against my hair."Yeah, she was blonde."
I pull back slightly, peering up at him."I figured.But why?Why blonde women?"
