Chapter 4

To give Neil his due he’d read the printout then had looked up at Gary.

“I love you, Gar, you know that.”

Gary’s hopes had risen. This had been the first time he’d heard Neil actually say the words. However, Neil’s next statement had sent Gary’s hopes crashing through the floor. “It’s not just a matter of age, it’s maturity. I don’t think you’re mentally mature enough to make such a commitment.”

Gary had argued, saying that Neil was the one who wasn’t ready, who was ashamed to be gay. Neil had listened calmly while Gary had sounded off. Then he’d floored Gary by admitting he had a point, but repeated that his biggest objection was Gary’s age.

“How many straight sixteen year olds do you know who are in long-term stable relationships?”

Gary had had to admit he didn’t know any. A few kids at school were going out together, but Gary knew—even if they didn’t—that it wasn’t the type of mature love Neil was talking about.