Free Apples to Oranges by Xondra Day

have nothing to do with you.”
    “Then what is it, Jace? You’ve been acting strange lately. We
used to be like best friends, but something’s changed.”
    “It’s nothing. I’m just being weird. You know I’m not that
social. I have a lot on my mind with finishing school and trying to get into a
good college.” That was a partial lie. He had great grades and that wasn’t a
worry. He wasn’t about to get into his sexuality with Mike. Mike was a cool
guy, and happened to be family, but there was no way he’d understand what Jace
was going through and his angst with
Brandon
.
    “Well, I think you should go. I’m not going to hound you about
it, all the same. The offer stands and you know my cell number. Anyway, let’s
take a drive.” Mike held up his keys and grinned. “The fresh air will do you
good.”
    Mike was right. It was great to get out and Jace drank in the
night air as they drove around town with the windows down. When Mike dropped
him off at home an hour later, Jace felt much better.
    “So, the party?” Mike asked. “It wouldn’t be the same without
you being there. Plus,
Brandon
’s
going to be there.”
    Jace hesitated. “What does
Brandon
have to do with anything?”
    “What’s with you two? I’ve been meaning to ask, but there never
seemed to be a right time.” Mike smirked. “You two seem awfully close.”
    “You introduced us and we have some things in common.” Jace
fought not to sound annoyed with Mike’s question. “Anyway, we won’t be hanging
out anymore.”
    “Why not? Did he do something to piss you off? I can talk to
him,” Mike offered.
    “Leave it alone. I took care of it. I don’t need you to fight my
battles.”
    Mike looked a little hurt. “Okay… I won’t say a word.”
    “I’m sorry, Mike. I didn’t mean anything by that. There’s so
much shit going on in my mind, I don’t know where to start.”
    “We’re family and more than that, we’re also friends. You know
you can talk to me about anything, right?” Jace knew Mike was being genuine.
Will all of his kidding around and stuff, Mike was a class act all the way.
    If only it were that easy just to spit it out, to come out. Jace
closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he went out on a limb. “I’m gay,” he
said. Those two words were the hardest ones he’d ever had to say.
    “I know.” Mike rolled his eyes and sat back in the seat. “I’ve
known for some time.”
    “What? How did you know?” Jace was dumbfounded by Mike’s
lacklustre response.
    “Let’s see.” Mike paused. “You’re eighteen and you’ve never had
a girlfriend. That’s not strange. A lot of guys are late bloomers, but you’ve
never shown any interest in girls, period. I don’t know how to explain it. It
doesn’t bother me. You are who you are and I totally respect that.”
    Jace sucked in a deep breath. “There’s more. I’ve been seeing
Brandon
.”
    “And he fucked you over…That bastard!”
    “No, it isn’t like that,” Jace protested. “Some issues came up
between us and we couldn’t agree how to sort them out.” That was somewhat
correct.
    “
Brandon
can be an ass at times. I don’t think he’s had an easy life. He isn’t the most
tactful at the best of times, and I’m not telling you anything you don’t
already know.”
    Jace nodded. Everything Mike said was true.

     

     

Chapter Seven

     
    In the end, Jace decided to go to the party and standing up with
his back against the wall in the kitchen, he tried his best not to be noticed
by anyone.
    “You’re not having a good time.” Mike stood next to Jace and
casually sipped his beer. “
Brandon
’s
in the living room. Why don’t you go talk to him? Dude’s practically sulking
and I can’t say anything because he doesn’t know that I know about you and
him.”
    It had been days since the blow-up with
Brandon
. Hell, he missed him. Even if he
wanted to, Jace didn’t know how he’d be able to approach him. It wasn’t as if
he