Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,87
happen now. Felix is so upset. He’s done so much for me, but now, I don’t know what to do for him.”
He started to cry again.
I felt Grant’s words deep in my core. Felix’s thoughts had been my own for many, many years. His fears, his self-hatred. It was all the same. Except my parents turned out to be loving and understanding.
“My name’s Tomi.”
“You’re the chief’s boyfriend?”
There was no lump in my throat or hesitation when I said, “I am.” And it felt good. “I can relate to Felix on a lot of levels. I spent all my life hating who I was and wishing things were different—until recently.”
Grant thought about that. When he met my eyes, he asked, “Did the chief out you tonight? That’s low.”
“It was time. He knew I was okay with it. I’m not angry.”
“Do you think Felix will break up with me now?”
Knowing the intensity of Felix’s feelings and the actions he’d taken tonight, I didn’t know how to answer Grant’s question. I’d taken drastic measures as a teen, ones that had hurt people over and over again. We did stupid things when we thought we were cornered.
“I don’t know. Windsor’s a good person. A good friend. Maybe having his support will help.”
John interrupted us, concern etched into his face. “I’m sorry. We’re trying to clear everyone out. I think Felix is gonna need some space tonight, and it would be better if he didn’t come down into a mess of people.” He directed his next comment to Grant. “You might want to let this sink in, bud. Give him time.”
“Can I drive you home?” I asked Grant. He seemed to be on his own.
“You don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
John gave me a grateful smile and moved away again, calling out to the other constables. “I’m gonna head up to the roof. You and Harriet finish up down here and let me know when it’s clear.”
I took Grant’s elbow and encouraged him to follow me.
Grant wore black skinny jeans with a silky, pale pink shirt under a knitted cardigan. The cardigan had fringe on the sleeves and around the hood, big pockets, and flashy brass buttons. It was baby blue and white. His makeup, although smeared from crying, accented his blue eyes. A hint of gloss made his lips shine. His sharp cheekbones and smooth baby face showed his young age.
“I’ve never been in the closet,” he said as I drove to the address he’d given me. “It’s not easy to hide all this.” He waved a hand over himself, then flipped his bleach-blond hair out of his eyes. “Felix was the only guy who ever stood up for me. It started in gym class. I used to catch him watching me. Not in a creepy way or a mean way like the other kids but in a way I’d seen before. I knew. When the other kids picked on me or called me a faggot, he got aggressive. Felix can be intimidating if he wants to be. He was never afraid to get in fights.”
“Not a great way to make a point.”
“I told him that. But…” Grant fidgeted, his manicured and painted nails picking at the seam in his jeans. “Can you tell your boyfriend something in confidence?”
“What’s that?” I pulled up in front of Grant’s house. His mom flew out of the front door. She looked distraught but didn’t approach, waiting for Grant to come to her.
Grant turned to me after unbuckling his belt. “Felix claims his dad doesn’t hit him. He says it’s all harsh words and name-calling. It’s not true. He lies. I don’t think it happens all the time, but I’ve seen the marks. You can’t send him home. You just can’t. This will tip his dad over the edge, and I don’t know what he’ll do to Felix. It’s dangerous.”
My heart clenched for this poor kid who felt trapped with no way out. “I’ll make sure Windsor knows.”
Grant nodded and ducked his chin to his chest. “Thanks. He’s a good person.”
“Don’t give up on him. He needs time to figure himself out, but he will. I was like Felix at one time. It’s scary. I made mistakes and pushed a lot of people away. I said things I didn’t mean. I’m ashamed. I’m not saying he will be like that, but if he is, understand it’s fear driving him away, not you.” I wrung my hands. “I think he has a lot of support around him.”