Page 38 of Crease Collision

He threw up his hands. “See? This is what I mean. Everything has to be a crisis. And in bed, you want things from me I don’t even understand.”

“That’s a lie. Either you’re the best actor in the world, or you love having sex with me. I love it too.”

“You love your version of it. I kept hoping you’d calm down and start being a normal guy instead of a weirdo.”

“I’m sorry. There are things I have to deal with, but I told you that up front. You said it made me special.”

“Yeah, well, I said a lot of things.” He shook his head in disgust. “I can’t do this. I don’t want to see you anymore.”

I was so stunned it took a moment to get my bearings. “Can we at least talk about it? You’re tired right now, and⁠—”

“Just get out. I’m done with you.”

Instead of fading, the memories echo. Gradually, I become aware I’m bent over. As I sit up, the phantom pain in my stomach sharpens before I remember this happened years ago.

It’s true, I’m not like most people. Since I couldn’t change that, I learned to deal with it. I am normal, at least normal for me. I’ve accomplished a lot, and regardless of what I want, I can’t let anyone make me question my worth again.

Oskar’s last text shines in my mind: “I’ll be here.”

There were no games in that, but at first, there hadn’t been games with my college boyfriend either.

That’s the problem.

After some deep breaths, I get up and head to the kitchen for water. After gulping down half a bottle, I pick up my phone. Two messages are waiting.

OSKAR: Out for a walk, and this made me think of us.

He’d attached a photo of two statues that appeared to be walking side by side. They are men, and they are holding hands.

He saw that and thought of us? I sit with it longer than I should.

Below his message is one from a teammate.

THEO: Call me ASAP. Jace’s family needs help…

I text Oskar first.

KAI: I like this. Thank you.

Then I carry the phone out to the balcony and stare into the distance. When the sun goes down, I pull up a number and dial.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

OSKAR

Kai’s text comes in late, as I’m getting into bed.

KAI: Hey there. I hope you’ve had a good day. Thanks again for yesterday and last night. I’ll never forget them. One of my friends is in a bad situation with his family, and another friend and I need to go help him out. I’ll be in touch when I get back.

The message sounds like him: easy, with that tangled way he talks. Of course he’s on his way to help someone he knows.

OSKAR: I hope your friend is okay. It is very nice of you to help, but I will miss you. Do you know how long you will be away?

I hesitate before hitting the send button, wondering if asking about his return is too pushy. It isn’t. As much as we’ve been seeing each other, it would be odd if I did not want to know.

KAI: Not really. It’ll be at least a week. Probably two.

Fan. In two weeks, I will be at training camp, which means I won’t see him for over a month.