Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Tom watches him for a moment, before nodding and leading the way to the bike sheds. They’ve always sat round the back of the bike sheds to talk—Tom to smoke, and Ryan to talk, and why hadn’t he seen this earlier? Tom is, after all, his best friend, and if he can’t take it, then Ryan had better know now so he can break off all and any awkward communication—or hell, hate—before distance does it slowly and painfully for him.

Better to cut off the limb than have it ripped off, right?

“What, then?” Tom asks, perching on the now-empty bike racks like he isn’t too heavy for them. They creak, but hold, for old time’s sake.

“Been working things out,” Ryan says.

“Yeah? Like what?” Tom asks. He’s rummaging for a lighter, a cigarette clamped between his lips. He’ll get caught. Neither of them care.

“Figured something out. About myself.”

“Like what?” Tom persists.

“I’m gay.”