Page 11 of Switch Hitter

“Oh?” he says, voice too loud. “O’Malley’s got a secret girlfriend or boyfriend?”

“Shut up,” I snap.

Brooks lifts his hands, all fake innocence. “I’m just asking questions. We’re a judgment-free team… whether you suck dicks or clits, it's all good.”

Mike mutters, “Stop,” and elbows Brooks under the guise of fixing his bag.

Brooks yelps. “Ow.”

I jam my hands into my pockets and stare straight ahead, like if I don’t move, no one will see my face.

My phone vibrates again, and this time I catch the notification on the screen.

Emiliano

Answer me.

I lock my phone immediately.

Fuck him.

Brooks is watching my reaction like he’s hunting.

“What?” he says in a fake sweet voice when I throw him a dirty look. “That look on your face was… interesting.”

“Drop it,” Will warns, his voice calm but edged.

Brooks grins anyway. “What? I’m bored.”

Jake steps closer to me, his voice low, his hand squeezing my shoulder. “You good?”

I nod too fast. “Yeah. Just Brooks being Brooks.”

Jake doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t push. He just gives me a look that says he’s there if I need him, which makes me want to scream.

Andres’ voice drifts from beside Jackson, casual but pointed. “If you’re dealing with something, you know you can always talk to us.”

Us being him and Jackson.

I stiffen, and when I glance over, Jackson’s eyes soften for just a second.

And like a coward, I look away.

I’m not doing this. Not here. Not with all of them.

We finally board, the team spreading across rows like a controlled disaster. I’m wedged into a window seat with Will in the aisle and Jake across the row. Brooks is a few seats up, still causing trouble. Mike is near him, pretending he hates it.

Jackson sits across the aisle from Andres, their knees brushing like they can’t help it. Kai is two rows up, still on the phone with Isla, talking to their unborn child.

The plane taxis, and my phone buzzes again. I keep my eyes on the window, watching LaGuardia slowly roll by.

Buzz.

I keep breathing.

Buzz.

Emiliano