“Pfft.” Ned waved him off. “What doyouknow?”
Breck exhaled, tired of this stupid conversation, and slid his gaze to the teeming dancefloor. To all those happily vibing couples having a grand ole time.
To his right, Ned went uncharacteristically quiet. Breck glanced at his friend, only to find him regarding Breck with a suspicious eye.
Gaze narrowed, Ned asked, “What’s wrong with you? You keep frowning and shit.”
Ah, hell. Breck looked away. Feigned an apathetic shrug. “Nah, man. I’m fine.”
“Yeah, uh huh. NowIcall bullshit. You’ve barely said five sentences all night. Aren’t drinking your beer… Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve heard you crack one single laugh.”
Even drunk, Ned could be annoyingly astute.
Breck shook his head, eyes still averted. “Nope. Totally good.”
Unfortunately, his best friend wasn’t buying it.
A wadded-up napkin ricocheted off his face.
“Dude,” Ned groused. “C’mon. I’m your boo. Spill your shit or I’m gonna make a scene.”
He totally would, too.
Breck slid him a glare. “You’re a pain in my ass.”
Ned beamed. “I know, right? But you love me. Nowget fuckin’ talking.”
Breck regarded him. Should he—couldhe—tell Ned everything? Or would it be wiser to just make something up? After all, his situation with Kai was no longer happening. Past tense. What purpose could it possibly serve to divulge his epic fail?
I’d get to vent. To talk about it.
And not just with anyone but his best fucking friend.
Which, God, would feel really good. All these months, he’d never confided in anyone. Had so much shit pent up inside that he needed to release.
He shifted in his seat, scratched more at that beer bottle label. Yeah, Ned had been great about Tad’s deal, completely accepting and supportive of the guy. But his dynamic was different with Tad. They weren’t thick as thieves like he was with Breck.
Breck and Ned, the closest of friends since freshman year. They had history. Real connection. A bond. Breck didn’t want to disrupt that shit. Didn’t want things to change.
And yet, as Ned stared him down, he made a decision to trust their solid foundation. The news would surprise Ned, but he’d bounce back. Knowing him, he’d probably yank Breck’s ass into a bestie-boo, bro-love headlock.
Just the prospect of that nearly had Breck reconsidering. Maybe it’d be better to just keep shit on the low.
“Well?” Ned prompted, starting to look impatient. Pretty boy mixed with alcohol made for an exceptionally short attention span. No doubt, he was already struggling not to fixate on something new.
Just do it. While the others are away.
Drop the bomb and finally release some steam.
Besides, if he couldn’t talk to Ned, his best friend, then whocouldhe talk to? Right now, he could really,reallyuse an ear to bend.
Giving a nod, he swallowed—here goes nothing—and opened his mouth. “I—”
“Ohhh, shit.” Ned’s eyes locked on something behind Breck in the distance. “That’s her. She’s here… I thought I’d never see her again.”
Breck shut his mouth and frowned, turning to follow his gaze.
Herwho?Whowas there?