Page 8 of Pieces of Me

“Forget it.” Scott pushed up from the futon. “I thought―”

Rylan stood, too, and moved in front of Scott to block his retreat. “I don’t want to put any posters of girls up because―”

“Fine.” Scott could feel the belligerence rolling off himself in waves, but he couldn’t seem to tamp it down. Rylan disguised his pity better than most, Scott had to give him that, but now he was going to make it clear he didn’t want to get close to any of the Trashworths.

Rylan opened his mouth to say more, but the words that came out had Scott reeling back in shock.

“Because I’m gay.”

✩✩✩

Scott froze, his eyes widening. “What?” he asked at last. “You’re what?”

Rylan straightened his spine. “I’m gay, man. When you said that about the girls, I just―I decided I didn’t want to start our relationship off with any secrets between us.”

Scott didn’t say anything, staring at him.

“I’m out to my dad,” Rylan continued doggedly, “and I’m thinking about starting school out.” He took a deep, shaky breath and sat back down on the futon. “What do you think?”

Those words seemed to snap Scott out of his daze. “You want to be out at school?”

Rylan nodded. “Yeah, I think I do. The hardest thing I ever did was come out to my dad, and I did it, so why would I want to go back into the closet at school?”

“Maybe ’cause the school is a fucking awesome mix of rich assholes from down the highway and shit-kicking redneck trailer trash?” Sarcasm dripped from Scott’s voice. “They’ll band together to make your life a living hell.” He spread his arms wide. “Look at me. I didn’t do nothin’ except be extra poor. Oh, and have the town slut for a mom.” He gave a mocking snort. “The only thing that’s saved me from being a complete social outcast is the fact people find it real hard to be outright mean to a pretty face. You―” He bit back the words.

“I won’t have that advantage?” Rylan was almost amused by Scott’s discomfort as he searched for a way to soften the impact of what he was implying. “It’s okay. It’s true.”

“I didn’t mean to say it like that. But yeah, if you don’t have something they want, they’ll eat you alive.”

Rylan thought about how he’d heard Scott’s “friends” trashing him so viciously behind his back, and his insides went a little cold. It was less than two years. Maybe it would be best if he kept his head down and simply got through it. No. He blew out a huge, quivery-sounding breath.

“I guess they probably will,” he said, “but like with you now, it just feels right if I start how I mean to go on. That’s my new mantra.” A sudden horrible thought struck him and he looked up at Scott with trepidation. “Does it…bother you that I’m gay? I mean, having to share a room with me and stuff?”

Scott didn’t say anything for a moment, then shook his head. “No. I gotta admire you, kid, for wanting to live your life on your terms.”

Rylan felt himself flush. “Thanks. But what I mean is, it won’t bother you to change clothes in front of me, or be around me? Having a gay stepbrother shoved in your face isn’t what you bargained for when you woke up this morning.”

Scott stared at him. “Listen, what did I tell you earlier?” He hooked his thumbs in the front pocket of his jeans, letting his fingers frame his crotch. “People wantin’ to look at me, and objectify me, is pretty much all I got goin’ for me.”

Rylan’s mouth dropped open as the heat burning in his cheeks spread throughout his whole body, settling in his groin and making his heart pound. He shifted uncomfortably, unable to tear his eyes away from Scott’s heavy-lidded green gaze. Then Scott blinked, and the sensuality was gone, leaving a trace of amusement behind.

“How’s that?”

Rylan cleared his throat. “Huh? Um―shit.” He scrubbed his hands over his face.

Scott flopped down next to him on the futon again, making Rylan aware of the warmth of his body. A satisfied smirk played over his lips, causing a flash of anger to go through Rylan, replacing the arousal, and he spoke without thinking.

“Don’t play me, Scott.”

Scott gaped at him, and he sputtered, “What?”

“I just told you I’m gay,” Rylan continued, his voice hard. “Don’t you understand what that means? It means I want to be with men. Fall in love with one, have―have sex with one.”

He saw Scott swallow hard, a slight flush staining his cheekbones.

“It’s real to me, not a joke. I can’t get you a gym membership. Or get you out of here. Or whatever else you think you need to manipulate people for.” Rylan looked at Scott steadily, feeling apprehension roil through him but determined to stand up for himself and set the tone before this beautiful, troubled boy crushed him like a cockroach under his boot. “Don’t make me your experiment.” He paused. “Make me your friend instead.”

Scott’s face was blank. “Yeah. Whatever.” He stood and strode for the door but stopped short, his hand on the knob. “Sorry, man.”