Page 154 of Silent Damage

“Gabe,” Jason whispers.

“Yeah?”

“Let’s get a place together,” he says.

“Yeah?”

He nods, then kisses my cheek. “I can’t act like we’re not serious anymore.”

“I always had a hard time acting like we weren’t serious,” I reply.

Jason slants his lips with mine again. “So let’s not make the same mistake twice. We’re getting a place together.”

“Okay.” The word doesn't feel enough for the moment.

Jason's face shifts, an unreadable expression washing over him.

“What is it?” I ask.

He takes a few breaths before saying, “It’s scary.”

I shift uncomfortably in bed. “Living with me?” I ask.

Jason shakes his head. “Loving this much.”

My heart pounds in my chest. “Why?”

“Because it’s so big,” Jason explains. “I’m used to big feelings, but not good ones. This is so intense and so…great.” Jason swallows, his eyes becoming glassy. “I’m afraid it’ll go away.”

I close the distance between us and kiss him. “So let’s not let it.”

Jason

I wake up late the next day to the smell of eggs and bacon, and step out of the bedroom to see Gabe sketching something while Linda cleans up dishes.

I take a seat next to Gabe, but Linda says, “No, no. Your plate’s on the kitchen table under a bowl to keep it warm. Hurry up and eat before it gets too cold.”

When I lift the bowl off the plate, the sight before me makes me drool. “Linda, you should have moved in sooner,” I say while sitting down to scarf down this amazing-looking omelet filled with cheese, veggies, and bacon on the side.

“Well, I have a feeling I’ll be a regular fixture around here nowadays.” She walks to the table and has a seat. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be,” I say through a mouthful of food. “I like having you here.”

Linda takes a sip of her coffee, a mischievous look in her eyes. “Gabe tells me you two are going to get your own place.”

I glance at Gabe. He’s focused on drawing, but I can tell by the look on his face that he’s listening.

“That’s the plan,” I tell her. “I’m making good money now. Besides, this is your place. You deserve to have your bedroom back.”

Linda waves her hand dismissively. “Don’t rush to move out of here on my account. I like seeing you boys happy. That was my plan all along.”

I drop my fork, and Gabe says, “What?”

Linda rolls her eyes. “I’m a Mom. I knew you two were in love long before you did. I’m just glad it all worked out according to plan. Well—” she takes another sip of coffee. “Doug didn’t work out according to plan, but I never did know how to pick the men in my life.”

“You should try girls,” Gabe says. “I can’t believe you knew and didn’t say anything.”

Linda looks at Gabe with a sad expression. “You wouldn’t have said anything if I’d asked you.”