“Leah is an attractive enough girl, like your mother was, so it isn’t like I’m asking you to marry some hag. The engagement can be long. While you both complete college. But of all the families in this town, she is the most eligible wife who will—”
“Dad, stop,” I snap. “Just stop.”
“I will not stop and you will not take that tone with me, son,” he barks out. “You fucked up when you got in that fight. I’m fixing it. One day, you and Leah can have all this. Without my intervening, you’ll end up in jail for fighting or working at some lowlife bar. I will not have you tainting the McAlister name because you’re going through some weird phase. Two years is long enough. Whatever is going on with you needs to stop. You’re eighteen years old now. Grow the fuck up.”
“I’m not marrying Leah,” I snarl, fury burning in my gut.
Because I’m gay, Dad.
Because I’d never be able to get my dick hard to give her a kid.
Because I’m in love with someone else.
“This is not up for negotiation, Penn,” Dad snarls. “I will take away everything from you. Your credit cards, your car, your bank accounts. Do not test me.”
“Whatever,” I grumble. “We can talk about this later. I have to study.”
Snagging up my bag, I bolt out the front door and over to Cope’s. I told him we could study around six. I’m two hours early. Thankfully, his car is in the driveway. I let myself inside and find my way to his room. He’s lying on his back on his bed, shirtless like usual, staring up at the ceiling.
“You’re early,” he mutters.
I drop my bag and kick off my shoes. I feel like I’m ten again. Bullied by my dad. Emotion clogs my throat. Storming across the room, I climb into the bed beside him. “Why is he such an asshole?” I mutter as I flop down next to him.
He rolls onto his side, propping his head up on his hand, and studies me with furrowed brows. “What now?”
I feel like a pussy when tears threaten. My life is a chaotic mess. The one I want doesn’t want me. The one I don’t want is who my dad wants me to have. College and my future are up in the air. I feel controlled by others and everything is spinning.
“Hey,” Cope murmurs, his voice concerned as he grips my jaw. “Tell me what the hell happened.”
So many times I cried in front of Cope when we were kids. Why am I hesitant to let my emotion bleed through now? Because I don’t want to scare him away. I fucking need my best friend.
I swallow hard, blinking away the threatening tears. “When Dad finds out about me—the real me—my life will be over.” A single tear burns down my cheek.
Anger blazes in Cope’s blue eyes. “He won’t find out. I’ll make sure Dante keeps his fucking mouth shut.” He runs his fingertip through the wetness on my cheek. “Your secret is safe with me. It always was. Even when I hated you.”
Rolling toward him, I tentatively wrap my arm around his middle. At one time, this would have been okay. I can’t deal with any more rejection right now, and yet I open myself up for it.
“I didn’t really hate you,” he murmurs, his arm hugging me back. He pulls me closer until we’re chest to chest. From this close, I can inhale him without seeming like a creep. His scent, manly and familiar, soothes me.
“He actually said he wants me to marry Leah,” I admit with a whisper. “Like we’re a royal fucking family making a strategic move.”
Cope absently reaches up and fiddles with my hair. “You’re not marrying Leah.”
“I know this,” I grumble. “Dad just doesn’t know it yet. He’s going to flip his shit when he finds out I’m gay.”
“He won’t find out,” he vows. “Just…just stop whatever it is you tried with Dante. You can date when you’re out of Jason’s house. Until then, keep a low profile with him.”
“And pretend to date Leah?”
He chuckles. “I’m sure Leah will be totally pissed about the whole situation. You two can lie to them to keep them happy. Nothing has to happen. Then, you bail when you can.” His fingers grip my hair and he tugs until my face is looking at his. “You’re a good liar, Penn. You can do this.”
“It’d be much easier if you were gay,” I complain, all too grumpy over this situation.
He chuckles at my words.
“Wow, you really have no filter about this anymore, do you?”
I shrug. “Held it all in once before. That didn’t work out for me. If you’re my best friend, you get to hear everything. Like old times. Even if that shit makes you uncomfortable, too.”