The Road To Heaven (Allendale Four 3)

I shrugged, not wanting to be specific. “She’s better off without me, that’s all.”

“Even if you still care for her?”

Instead of answering, I grabbed a towel and wiped my face.

RJ sighed. “I don’t know if I could do it, but what you have; your friendships and your respect for one another. That’s once in a lifetime shit, dude.”

He offered me his hand again and I shook it, arms shaking from exertion. “Let me know if you need a workout partner. I’m around and willing.”

“I will,” I said. “And thanks. For the spot and the talk.”

He grinned, one that was worth the salary they were paying him on the show, and I sat on the bench until he left the room. I felt better having spoken to someone—saying all of that out loud—I knew I was making the right decision. Keeping Heaven safe had always been my priority.

And it always would be.

38

Heaven

I’d adapted to coming and going from Oliver’s house quicker than I expected. Probably because it was habit from back in high school, coming over to the property to visit him at his apartment. Or because the house was luxurious; with every possible need met, from kitchen appliance to electronic. When Anderson let us know his qualifiers would be live-streamed, Oliver set up the system and asked everyone to come over.

He invited Amber, who was still in town planning for the wedding that was now in three weeks. Her mother had taken charge, leaving her annoyed and frustrated. She’d hit Oliver’s bar hard and fast, dulling the anxious energy she’d been holding after a full day of cake tastings and wine selection.

I’d also invited Lea and RJ, both happy to get out of their bubble and away from prying eyes. They were adorable, clearly falling in love, and their energy was infectious, especially now that I wasn’t fighting my attraction to Oliver and Jackson.

Hayden had come reluctantly, irritable and exhausted. I kept my distance—tired of fighting against him. I wasn’t going to waste my time trying to win him over. He had to figure it out on his own. In or out. As much as it hurt, I wasn’t going to risk what I had with the others.

I was out on the patio with Lea and Amber before the game started, discussing wedding plans.

“My mom is okay with me marrying a woman. She swears she knew I was gay long before I did.” She shrugs and sips her drink. “Maybe it’s true. Did you think I was gay, Heaven?”

“No, but I wasn’t surprised when you and Ginger started dating.”

“It’s amazing you found your soul mate so soon,” Lea said. “I mean not as early as Heaven here, but college.”

I rolled my eyes at the soul mate thing. The jury was still out on that one. We were making baby steps but I had a good feeling about at least Oliver and Jackson. They seemed committed in a way that felt more intense than before.

“Well, I know Allendale seems like a little Mayberry-ish, nice town but not everyone here is so open-minded. I don’t think I would’ve had the guts to come out in high school. Look at what Heaven went through.” She gave me a sympathetic grin. “To be honest, we’ve been quiet at all the vendors about details. A few are down in Oceanside and you know how they can be.”

I definitely knew. Oceanside was where the rumors about me and Justin went wild. Close to my father’s church with their antiquated ideas about women and sexuality. “I wouldn’t push it either,” I admitted. “Oh, did I tell you who we saw a few weeks ago?”

“No.”

“Spencer.” I said his name quietly.

Amber’s jaw dropped. “No. Way.”

I nodded. “Jackson was with me, but we didn’t tell the other guys.”

“Afraid they’d go down and kick his ass?”

“Who’s Spencer?” Lea asked, looking between us.

“Spencer’s the worst,” Amber said. “A harasser and an abuser. He was the one that bullied Heaven so bad in high school. He tried to attack her.” She glanced at me. “Did Jackson tear him apart?”

“No, actually,” I said with a small smile, “I did. I punched him.”

“Oh my God!”