Chapter 21

Tears streamed down Scotty’s cheeks and he shook his head. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t nice. I don’t know what I’m saying. I’m sorry, Preston. Really. I wish I could just hide the way I feel and be what you want me to be. I can’t. Coming out was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I did it and my family and friends accept me and love me still. I can’t go back. Not even for you.”

Scott turned his back on him, opened the door, and left Preston’s house. His life.

Preston went to the closed door. “Scotty, please.” His hand pressed to the front door, he wanted to go after him. Wanted to beg Scott to give him another chance. He’d try. He would. But he would be lying just to make the other man stay. He couldn’t come out. Not ever.

He sunk to the floor with his back against the door, misery and loneliness hanging over him like a thick cloud.

* * * *

Scotty dropped to a crouch on Preston’s front doorstep, burying his face in his hands. The tears flowed freely now.