The Original Crowd (A Whole New Crowd 0.50)

I laughed. I covered the distance and kissed him deeply. Wanting to forget, wanting to remember who was with me, who I had in my life now. Tray answered me back, our hands in each other’s hair, holding each other tight as we tasted each other. Sensually. Needy.

Tray lifted me onto his lap, where he devoured me some more. I devoured right back and melted against him.

“Let’s go home,” I whispered, not realizing I’d called Rawley home.

Groaning, Tray kissed me a last time before setting me back on my side.

He started the vehicle and pulled out, as we circled to the front of Rickets’ House, I saw Brian sitting on the porch. Alone.

There was something I

needed to do.

“Wait,” I broke out.

Tray braked and looked up at the porch. I saw the understanding in his eyes when he met my gaze.

“Thank you,” I mouthed silently, getting out of the vehicle.

Brian was looking at me when I crossed to the porch. He stood up just as I stepped to where he sat.

“Hey,” I said softly, remembering the little boy I’d fell in love with. And seeing a faint shadow in the boy before me, merging with the reflection of manhood.

Brian had changed. I knew that, I just hadn’t wanted to accept it.

“Hey,” he breathed out, absorbing me.

We both knew.

It was time.

“I’m…I’m going to leave it alone. Whatever Jace, whatever arrangements he made for me. I want you to know—I’m leaving it alone.” I said first, rushed. I wanted it out there between us. He had to know.

“I didn’t beat up Geezer,” he spoke, glancing where Tray was parked. “You gotta know that. I don’t want you to think I’d do that.”

“I know,” I murmured. “Now.”

“Good.” He looked relieved, and he was. I knew him, still. I knew that look. And the knowledge brought a smile to my face.

I still knew him, who stood before me.

A part of my history. But no longer my present.

“Look,” he started, “I don’t know about that Evans guy, but keep a good twist on his balls. Like you did with me.”

That brought a grin to my face.

Brian the poet, he was not.

“I still love you,” I announced abruptly.

Brian’s eyes whirled to mine, startled, but not surprised.

I added, “I still love you, but—”

“I know.” He nodded, shifting in place. “You’re in a better place now. Which is good. You deserve it.”

“Brian.”