Hardwood - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,87

I ask.

“No, I think you’re a catch and your expectations are just right. Well, except that whole fantasy you have about a man doing a flash mob for you. Those went out of style years ago, so probably don’t hold your breath for that one.”

I sigh. “Yeah, you’re probably right, but a boy can dream.”

Chapter 25

Everett

“It’s going to be fine,” I mutter to myself, my heart thundering in my ears. “I shouldn’t even be this nervous. They’re all gay for fuck sake—they won’t care.”

If I can get through telling Val, this will be a breeze. Ollie hardly even blinked when I told him. Worst case scenario, Cole or Stone might have some snarky remarks, but it won’t be worse than that.

I make my way up to Cole and Ren’s front door. My hand is trembling as I lift it up to knock. It’s only the thought that these guys can help me figure out a way to make things right with Wats that keeps me from turning tail and running as the sound of footsteps approaches the other side of the door.

It swings open, and Ren greets me with a smile that falters when he realizes I’m alone.

“Dang,” he mutters.

“You lost the bet, huh?” I guess.

I had no doubt when I told them last week that I was bringing a date to dinner that they started placing bets on whether I would show up alone or not.

“There wasn’t a bet,” Ren lies, because unlike my friends, he’s a nice guy.

“I know my friends a little better than that,” I say, stepping inside. Cole comes around the corner as I’m kicking my shoes off, and his smile widens when he sees I’m alone.

“You fuckers owe me money,” he shouts over his shoulder.

Ren grimaces and gives me an apologetic smile. If my friends betting on me not having a date is the low point of this evening, I’ll call it a success. I have been lying to them for years, so there’s still the possibility they’re going to be pissed about it.

I follow Ren and Cole into the kitchen where Ollie, Stone, Dare, and West are all hanging around. Ollie’s eyes dart past me, no doubt looking for Watson. He furrows his brow when he sees I’m alone. I give him a weak, half-shrug. Yup, I fucked up. Ollie seems to understand, his expression morphing from confused to sympathetic.

The weight of everything that’s happened sits on my chest, but I refuse to accept that it’s really over. At least not until I know I’ve tried my damndest to let Watson know that I’m all in. And that starts with coming out to my friends.

The guys seem oblivious to the silent conversation that passes between me and Ollie, drinking their beers and chatting around us. The smell of something sweet and spicy fills the air. My money is on it being Cole’s favorite honey-chipotle chicken that Ren likes to cook.

It’s now or never. I clear my throat to get everyone’s attention, and they all fall silent.

“Help yourself to a drink from the fridge,” Cole offers, taking my throat clearing the wrong way. I could actually use a drink, so I do that first, grabbing a beer and twisting the top off. I take a sip to settle my nerves and then try again.

I open my mouth, but before I can say anything, Stone cuts in.

“So, no date, huh?” he teases. “What happened to that chick you’ve been dating?”

“Actually…” I swallow hard and square my shoulders, my stomach twisting itself in knots and sweat beading on the back of my neck as I stare at the curious faces of my best friends.

“It’s Val, isn’t it?” Cole guesses before I can get my confession out.

“If it is, you owe me twenty bucks,” Stone says with a smirk.

“It’s not Val. Fuck, would you guys just shut your mouths and listen for one second,” I grumble.

“Damn, sorry.” Cole holds up his hands in surrender.

“You don’t have to be so pissy just because your girlfriend dumped you,” Stone says.

“For fuck’s sake, I’m gay,” I blurt.

All of them fall silent, staring at me in shock for several seconds.

Stone cocks his head to one side and grins. “Well, if that isn’t a fucking plot twist.”

“Don’t be a dick,” Dare mutters to his boyfriend.

“I wasn’t being a dick,” Stone argues. “I’m surprised that’s all.”

“I get it,” I say.

“I don’t understand,” Cole says. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Why’d you let us go on for ten years thinking you were straight?”

“It’s…complicated.”

“What’s