AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m going to tell you something that better not leave this conversation. Romeo thinks we’re going to realize he’s not worth the effort. What he doesn’t understand is there is no effort. We love him unconditionally. The same will happen with my brother. He has panic attacks and, at times, depression. That shit will stay with him. He goes to therapy, works on himself, but if you think for a second he’s the one you want, be prepared to see who he is on the inside. I’m waiting for someone else to look deep enough to find what the rest of us already know about him.”
29
ROMEO
Dash sat beside Tristan, worry etched on his face.
“What happened?” I asked, leaning closer.
Elic had gone back to talking with Reed while Casper was still with Slater. I should spend more time getting to know Elic. We had things in common. He was nervous being here like I was and not in a little way. Supporting his boyfriends meant a lot to him and he pushed through his own anxiety to be here, like me.
“Cody has a thing for Slay,” Dash said.
“We could see that,” Tristan stated. “But there’s more to it, isn’t there?”
“He doesn’t want to fuck around with my brother. He wants to explore their connection. I was about to laugh him off and tell him to find someone else, but then he started talking about how when you find your person, you just know. And damn, I knew exactly what he was saying. I didn’t go into every detail, but I told him Slater has anxiety. If a relationship develops between them, I don’t want Cody to jump ship when he realizes he can’t handle what my brother goes through.”
Before we could say more, Elic nudged my arm to get my attention. “We’re going to leave. Cas said Slater wants to go.”
“Shit.” Dash stood. “You guys stay. I’ll get him home.”
Reed slid out of the booth and stood as well. “It’s fine, Dash. Let Cas do this.”
Dash had told Tristan and me about Slater’s feelings for Reed. How there was an argument that left the band broken for a bit. I couldn’t imagine them not getting along like they did now. They were freakishly close with one another.
“Okay,” Dash relented.
Elic and Reed left with a wave to the others. Cody stopped by our table again, asking if we wanted to dance. I glanced to where Dominic sat draped over Peyton’s and Perry’s laps while they traded kisses. I wasn’t about to bother him.
“Yeah, let’s go while I can.”
Cody placed his hand on my arm, obviously hearing the slight shake in my voice. “We’ve got your back, you know. Not just Dash and Tristan. We’re a family and look out for one another. Say the word and we’ll get the hell out of here so fast you won’t know what happened.”
It wasn’t easy for me to be here, not in the least. The lights and sounds didn’t bother me; however, the people did. Cody had a point though. In this group, as large as it may be, none of them would judge me. Hell, Dexen would carry me out by himself if he had to.
I hadn’t craved more family and friends in my life, yet I’d found them. Now that they were here, I didn’t want to let them go. Finding people who accepted me was worth holding on to.
“Thank you, Cody.” I dropped my voice to speak only to him. “For what it’s worth, I’m twenty-three and Dash and I have no problem with the age gap. If you want Slater, you’re going to have to show him you’re not after his fame, his money, or his dick. If you want to be seen for who you are, that you’re not a kid, you’re the only one who can do it.”
“Would you mind if I reached out to you after this? Val’s not much older than me, but I’m looked at as his son. I’d love tohave someone to talk to in our group who gets what I’m going through.”
“Of course.” We traded numbers with the promise to connect later.
For a minute, the club had fallen away. The people, the music, the nerves that slid down my spine. The second Cody and I pulled apart and turned to the exit of the VIP area, my anxiety decided it was showtime.
“Angel, look at us,” Dash said, drawing my gaze to him. “We don’t have to go out there. We can stay where we are or go home. The choice is yours, and we’ll be right behind you, regardless of what it is.”
I shook my head. “I want to dance to prove to myself I can do it.” If I let my anxiety win, it would keep doing so. I had to push my boundaries. Not to the point of complete fear. Having Dash and Tristan with me, I knew I was safe.
Tristan threaded his fingers with mine. “Then we’ll dance.”
Greer joined us and clapped Cody on the shoulder. “Let’s go. I want to show off my moves. Make Dex and JJ jealous. Neither of them will dance with me.”
“Your cock is ours!” JJ yelled, not giving a shit who heard him.
We turned, and JJ lifted his glass with a grin.
Dominic rushed over and skidded to a stop next to us. “We’re dancing again? Let’s go.” He held out his hand for mine. I didn’t expect it. Dominic’s eyes told me he understood and wanted to be here for me. I slipped my free hand in his and let him guide us to the dance floor.
