It was late when Elliot’s phone rang. He’d been sitting cross-legged in front of the fire, immersed in his book for hours. He glanced at the display to see if he wanted to answer and jerked when he saw the name.
Mick.
His heart started racing, and his finger trembled as it hovered over the phone.
“Please, don’t break up with me,” he mumbled. “Please, please, please.” He accepted the call.
“Hello?”
His greeting was met with silence.
“Mick?” Still nothing. “Are you there?”
“I told them.” The words were so quiet, Elliot had to strain his ears to make them out.
“Told who what?”
More silence.
“Mick, you’re scaring me. Please talk to me.”
“I told them I’m gay.”
Elliot drew a quick breath. “Oh.” He untangled his limbs and stood, stumbling as his right leg buckled underneath him. He ma
