Epilogue
THREE MONTHS LATER
“You’re a shitty liar, Con,” Troy says, glancing over at me as he merges onto the highway. “You always get that little twitch in your eye, remember?”
“I don’t have a twitch.”
“You do. Right there.” He taps the corner of his own eye, then drops his hand to my thigh. “You’re nervous as hell.”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost burned down our place making toast this morning.”
“The smoke detector’s too sensitive.”
“Uh-huh.” He gives my leg a gentle squeeze. “It’s gonna be fine.”
I look out the window, watching the city blur into suburbs. The buildings get shorter, the yards bigger. Strip malls and gas stations replace skyscrapers and coffee shops.
“Meeting your family is a big deal, okay?” My leg starts bouncing. “What if they hate me?”
“They won’t hate you. They’re going to love you. And even if they don’t, who gives a shit? Their opinion doesn’t change anything.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re their son. I’m the roommate who’s been corrupting you.”
“Corrupting me? Please. I was a lost cause long before you came along.” He grins over at me. “You’re the one who finally tamed me. If anything, they’ll give you a medal.”
“Yeah, but I guess they were hoping you’d bring home a girl instead.” I pick at a loose thread on my jeans.
Troy’s hand tightens on my thigh. “They always knew I was… flexible. Not sure they expected this exactly, but they’re pretty chill. As long as I’m happy, they’re happy.”
“And are you?”
He glances over again, holding my gaze this time. “Do you want me to pull this car over and remind you how happy I am?”
“I mean, maybe I could use a refresher.”
“This morning in the shower wasn’t enough for you?”
“Not even close.”
“Horndog.” He gives my thigh a final squeeze before returning his hand to the steering wheel. “There’s a rest stop in a few miles. I’ll see what I can do.”
The End