Chapter 17

Later that evening, as Brad and Ian were cuddling on the couch, Ian broached the topic of Jay.

“I don’t think he liked me.”

Brad squeezed Ian’s shoulders. “Yes, he did.”

Ian felt Brad’s loyalty to his friend was misplaced. “Nah. He didn’t talk to me once. Didn’t even look at me. Didn’t say ‘goodbye’.”

“That’s just Jay. He’s a strange—”

Ian sat up and faced Brad. “I heard what he said. What you both said when I went to the toilet.”

Brad pursed his lips.

“It really upset me. I don’t know why. You’d think I’d be used to it by now—being told how ugly I am. Does he think I’m not aware of it?”

“Now, Ian, I don’t think—”

“Don’t make excuses for him.” Ian could feel himself getting worked up. “All my life, people have felt like they could just say whatever nasty thing they wanted to say about me, and sometimes even to my face. Why? What have I ever done to deserve it?”