“It’s okay, Mom,” I whisper.
“If you need anything, call me,” she says.
“I will,” I reply, though we both know I won’t.
“Bye, Mom.”I hang up quickly, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat.But the tears come anyway, hot and unstoppable.I drop the phone on the counter and turn away from Fox, embarrassed by my vulnerability.
Before I can take another breath, Fox is off the counter and wrapping his arms around me.I lean into his embrace, unable to hold back the sobs anymore.He pulls me closer, resting his chin on the top of my head as he murmurs soothing words.
“It’s okay.I’m here.I’ll always be here,” he whispers, his voice steady and sure.He presses soft kisses to my hair, his hands rubbing gentle circles on my back.“I love you so much.”
I don’t say anything, just bury my face in his shirt and let myself fall apart in his arms.For the first time in days, I feel safe.
50
A Temporary Goodbye
“You’regoingtobefine, right?”Fox asks as I help him adjust his shirt.
He’s leaving for med school today in Portland, Oregon, and I already feel like I’m falling apart.He’s still standing right in front of me, but the ache of missing him is already here, gnawing at my chest.I want to tell him to stay, to skip med school, and just stay here with me, but that would be selfish.Fox has supported me through everything these past two years—it’s his turn to chase his dream.
Yeah, two years.Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and watch him sleep, wondering how we’ve made it this far.It hasn’t been easy, especially for him.The stares, the whispers, the murmurs that followed us everywhere.But over time, things changed.The homophobia lessened.People got used to seeing us together.
Lexi didn’t stick around to see it, though.Her parents, surprisingly progressive, were horrified when they found out what she’d done to try to break us up.They shipped her off to school abroad.Before she left, she cornered me one last time.
“You’re happy now, aren’t you?”she sneered.“You’ve got Fox all to yourself.”
“What are you talking about?”I asked, already dreading her response.
“My parents are sending me away because ofyou.Because I fought for the man who was mine.”
“Lexi—”
“And whether you like it or not, you’re just a game to Fox,” she spat.“A way to pass the time.When the novelty wears off, he’ll leave you.”
But she was wrong.Two years later, we’re still here.Still in love.
“I’ll be fine,” I say, though the words feel heavy.“I’m going to miss you, but I’ll be fine.I’ve got the guys—Leanne, Nat, Landon—and Blaze.Plus, Gio’s Burgers, so I’ll survive.”I try to smile.
Blaze is staying in Washington, thankfully.He and Landon are still going strong, and it’s been amazing to see them grow into such a power couple.It’s funny—Blaze used to be this arrogant jock, but now he’s someone who openly and unapologetically loves Landon.
“All set,” I say, straightening Fox’s collar.
“Come here,” he whispers, pulling me closer.His lips press against mine, warm and soft.I kiss him back, wrapping my arms around his waist, savoring the moment.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” he murmurs against my lips.
“I’ll miss you more,” I whisper, even though I know it’s not possible.
A knock at the door interrupts us.“You two lovebirds done yet?”Lila calls from outside.
Fox and I step apart, grinning sheepishly.
The car is already packed when we step outside.Lila has been amazing these past two years.She’s like a second mom to me, always checking in, always making me feel welcome.My own mom is trying, too, though my dad… well, that’s a different story.
Dad was diagnosed with leukemia a month ago.Mom told me over the phone, and I cried like I hadn’t in years.I called him after that, just to see how he was doing, but he pushed me away.Again.He told me not to call unless I was ready to “change my ways.”
“Is it about your dad?”Lila asks gently as we load Fox’s car.
