AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Corbin had become such a positive role model for Gael, and he didn’t even see it. To him, they were just friends, and that made me love him more.
I was about to close the Excel file on my computer when Morgan’s, “Hey, man,” came from the doorway. He’d been even more absent lately, and every time I messaged him to see if we could hang out, or to invite him over so he and Corbin could meet, he was busy.
Morgan looked exhausted, his dark hair messy and his eyes weary.
“Hey, what’s going on? I’ve been worried about you.”
Morgan came inside and closed the door behind him. He sat down in the chair across from me. “I’m sorry I’ve been absent lately. Shit’s been…” Morgan ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “I have to go back to Michigan, and it’s the last thing I want. Fuck. I hate it there.”
My heart thudded against my chest. That was the most Morgan talked about his past or where he came from, and he still hadn’t given me much of anything.
“For good?” I asked.
“I hope not. Family shit, ya know?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I know. Is there anything I can do to help? You know you can always come to me.” Morgan and I might not be the kind of close friends who hung out the way the Beach Bums did, but we were there for each other. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him.
“Nah, thanks. I appreciate the offer, though. I just wanted to come say goodbye and let you know what’s going on.”
“What about Rob?” I asked, wondering what this meant for Morgan and his boyfriend.
“Time will tell, I guess. We’re still together for now, and it’s nice to know someone’s there.” Morgan looked away like he wasn’t proud of what he’d said, but there was no shame in it. We all needed people. It was hard to be alone. I wished he had someone who treated him better than Rob did. But then, maybe that was all Morgan thought he deserved. We chatted for a few minutes before my friend stood and said, “I should head out.”
I nodded, went over to him, and gave him a hug. “Call me, day or night, anytime, okay? Whether it’s just to talk or if you need someone. I got your back.”
“I know, man. Thank you.”
We pulled away. “Corbin’s here. Got a second to meet him before you go? I know he’d like that.”
Morgan gave me a sad smile. “Yeah, for sure. I’d like that too.”
He followed me to the library, where I introduced him to Gael and Corbin. Morgan stayed for about twenty minutes, and I could tell he liked Corbin and Corbin liked him.
“I’ll be right back.” I kissed Corbin before walking out with Morgan.
Outside, I hugged him again. “Love you, man. Keep in touch, or at least answer my calls. I don’t want to have to go to Michigan and hunt down your ass.”
He chuckled. “I will. Love you too.”
I watched him walk away, hoping everything was going to be okay.
* * *
Marcus’s house looked incredible.
It had been a madhouse for days in preparation for Parker and Elliott’s wedding. Corbin had been a ball of excitement and nerves. He’d fake-married me to myself about a million times the past couple of months, wanting everything to be perfect.
And everything had been—not just with wedding plans, but life as a whole. Corbin had moved into my apartment, which was now our apartment. Both our names were on the lease, and all our mail came to our unit, and I’d had to buy a cabinet for all his beauty products, which I liked to give him shit about when really, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I loved living together. We made a commitment to cook dinner together at least four times a week, which we always stuck to. Those were some of my favorite times with him—trying new recipes, finding things we loved, and unfortunately, there was also some gross stuff out there. No matter what you did with Brussels sprouts, they were never good.
But Corbin was doing well, still working through his struggles and seeing Imani. Every day he made me proud with his progress.
“You ready?” I asked Corbin, straightening his collar. The grooms, the best men, and Corbin were all wearing white button-up shirts and beige slacks with suspenders. The Poddies and I were wearing similar shirts and slacks, but with bow ties and no suspenders.
“Fuck yes. This will be the best wedding any of these people have ever been to.” Corbin grinned, leaned in, and kissed me.
“Break a leg, baby.” I winked at him.
“Or, you know, you could just wish me good luck.”
“You don’t need luck. You’re Corbin Erickson…my CB. There’s nothing you can’t do.”
“Fucking swoon,” he said, which seemed to be two of his favorite words.
