Chapter 23
TWENTY-THREE
SUMMER
As soon as we got home, Mase ran me a bath, brushed my teeth to get rid of the puke smell, and then washed and dried me.
What shocked me the most was the fact that he returned from the restroom with Travis, telling him he’s coming home with us so he could make things right. Now, I’m in my sleep shorts and camisole snuggled up to Mase while Travis tells him about his predicament.
Mase sits and listens as Travis explains he’s actually almost twenty, but his parents paid the school off to allow him to finish his final year after he spent a year at a camp designed to get his sexuality back on track.
Yes, these fucked-up, cruel places exist, and all because Travis was discovered looking at gay porn.
“My mom and dad are going to throw me out if I come out as gay now.”
Mase jolts and sits forward. “What?”
Travis nods. “It’s not okay to be gay in our society.”
Mase laughs, but it lacks humor. “Our fucking society?” He shakes his head. “Your parents should want you happy above anything else. To be yourself.”
“Like your dad wanted you happy?” he clips back, then darts his eyes away. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for.”
Mase shrugs. “I deserve it.” Then he exhales. “Look, man, I know you don’t realize it yet, but you can be anything you want to be.”
“That’s easy for you to say; you’re straight.” Travis sighs heavily. “At school, everyone fucks around.”
Mase’s muscles bunch tight.
“Apart from your good girl over there.” Travis gives a curt nod in my direction, and I beam at Mase, who tightens his arm around me, pulling me closer, if that’s even possible. “Like, how the hell do gay people experiment? I’ve never so much as glanced at another man’s dick. It’s pathetic.”
Mase’s eyebrows shoot up. “There’s nobody at school you’re into?”
“I’d get beat to hell if I inquired. The only action I’ve seen is on television or Summer’s phone.”
Mase’s focus is on me again, and my neck heats under his scrutiny.
“It takes a lot more for people like me to be accepted, and I don’t know how that’s ever going to happen. Not when my own parents won’t even accept me.” His solemn voice causes a whimper to escape me.
How Travis’s parents can’t see him for the incredible guy he is, I don’t understand. He’s handsome, fit, clever, funny, empathetic, strong-minded, and stands up for what and who he believes in. He’s a son and a person to be proud of, who just so happens to like men.
“God, I’m pathetic. I’ve never seen another man’s dick in person, too fucking terrified of someone freaking out if I even attempt to look. How the hell am I ever going to experience life?” Trav says, but it’s like he’s talking to himself.
Mase’s jaw sharpens. “You’re not pathetic!
” he snaps, then shakes his head. “I’m sorry.
” He scrubs a hand over his head. “But you’re not pathetic.
Please don’t say shit like that about yourself,” he says, softer this time.
“You need to learn to love yourself for who you are.” His eyes are focused on Travis, but it’s as if he’s talking about himself.
“That’s easy for you to say. I barely know who I am.”
Mase nods at his words and sits back. “You’re right. It is easy for me to say, but as soon as you finish school, you can lead your own life. I’m going to make damn sure you have the strength and support to be the person you want to be.”
My heart soars on his words, and the part of me that fell for him during our one night together expands like a balloon.
“You have my support now, Travis. I’m sorry for the flack I’ve given you, but trust me when I say you have us.” He squeezes me tighter against him, then glances down at my lips, and just that simple look sends tingles through my body.
“My parents hold my trust fund until I’m twenty-five. I’m not going to be doing anything without their say-so. Hence, being in school still. You’ve no idea how embarrassing that is.”
“I’ll loan you whatever money you need,” Mase replies with a smile. “We’re family now, Trav.”
My pulse skyrockets, and my eyes pool with tears of appreciation.
I love this man.
Is that even possible so soon?
Travis’s eyebrows shoot up, and he blinks slowly as if Mase’s words are taking time to register. “Wh-what? Why?”
“You deserve to be happy, and Summer does too. You make her happy, and I’m grateful she has you in her life. I’m only sorry it’s taken until now for me to realize it. It’s my gift for both of you.”
A choked sound comes from Travis, and he gulps. “Tha-that’s amazing. But I don’t think I can—”
Mase puts his hand up to stop him from continuing. “You can accept it, and you will.”
Trav nods. “Thank you.”
Mase smiles, then takes a swig of his beer. “So, what is it you want to do when you finally leave school, exactly?”
I sit forward with renewed energy and tell Mase Travis’s plan. “Trav has a cool concept for the entertainment industry. There’s this whole development downtown that needs fixing. It’s boarded up, but it goes to auction soon.”
Mase’s eyes light up, and he lifts his chin in Travis’s direction. “Send me the details.”
Excitement pumps through me at the prospect of Travis’s dream coming to life.
I just wish I was going to be around to witness it.