Something Like Spring (Something Like, #4)

by Jay Bell

Jason hurried down the hall, glancing backward once. Caesar was still at the door. “Thanks for keeping me safe from the zombies,” he whispered.

“Friends accept you for who you are,” Steph said. “Lovers always want more from you—like your time and affection—or more for you, like they want you to be happier, healthier… just more.”

Don’t tell my parents though.” “Why not?” Jason glanced back toward the house. “Your uncle Jace was gay and Michelle didn’t seem to mind. Is your dad the problem?” “No, he’s cool. I’m just waiting for the absolute worst time to come out. Like during a funeral or something.” Jason laughed. “Why?” “Because people always ask how you came out. It’s a story you have to tell countless times during your life. I want mine to be good.

she keeps writing me these horrible Goth poems.” “Really?” “Mm-hm. The last one was about us dying and sharing a coffin, our bodies becoming one as they decompose. Very hot.”

It’s hard to find a guy who likes guys that you like who also likes you back.

there are people in this world who, after you meet them, you walk away a better person. No matter how okay you were before, they have a way of making you even better. Eric was like that, and so is Ben.

Emma glanced over at him. “Nervous?” “Yeah,” he admitted. Emma nodded. “Me too.” “Really? But you seem so—” “Calm and collected? I’m an overweight junior high student who hasn’t done anything more than kiss another girl on the cheek. I’ve never met another lesbian in my life, as far as I know, and I have absolutely no idea what to expect. The confidence thing? That’s called attitude and it’s my armor.”

“I don’t want some guy I have to impress or one who feels like he needs to show off. I just want someone who loves me that I can love back. Simple as that. That’s all it takes. I don’t really care about honesty or being totally understood or any of the other stuff, because being human is all about messing up and breaking trust and telling lies. I wouldn’t want to be with someone perfect. Just some humble, totally normal guy will do.”

“Stop!” Ben pleaded. “I’m going to pee my pants!” “See that?” Tim asked. “Hot, artistic, and funny!”

“I didn’t win Tim or even Jace through risky behavior. All I really did was squeeze my way into their lives. Once there, I was lucky enough that they wanted me to remain. The same will happen for you, because you’re both wonderful. Keep showing up in the lives of the people you love, and I have no doubt that they’ll want you to stay.”

“The guy I’m visiting, what could I bring him? I want to make a good impression.” “You must like him quite a bit,” Jason said, trying to be silly. William nodded. “And I want him to know that.” “In that case,” Jason said, “I’d recommend diamonds.” “Diamonds?” “A bucket full should do.”

“The only thing love needs to apologize for is being too difficult to understand and too easy to give in to.”

“Do you regret it?” William shook his head. “I just forgot what sex feels like when it’s with someone you love.” He said the word so casually, without any hesitation. He didn’t even seem concerned about Jason’s possible response. Instead he placed a hand on Jason’s back, urging him forward. “Come on. We’re running late.”

“Don’t let it stay hidden. Love is like a flower. It needs to be out in the open where it can get fresh air and sunlight. Secrets can be fun, but eventually they’ll smother what you have together.”

It’s better to hurt someone with honesty than to hurt them with lies.”

William spun around and grinned. “You so need them to adopt you!” “Jason Wyman?” he replied, cocking his head. “Or Jason Bentley. Neither sounds right.” “Not as good as Jason Townson, anyway.” William said with a wink.

If only women ruled the world. He was certain it would be a better place.

closer. “Next time you visit, think you can sneak Chinchilla in with you? She’s family too, right? Me, you, Ben, and the dog. We’re one big happy family now.” “Is that the morphine speaking?” Jason teased. Tim was dead serious when he replied. “No. I’ve known for a while now. I definitely didn’t need some guy putting a bullet through me to figure it out.” “Yeah,” Jason said. “Me neither.” Then he took a deep breath. “Does this mean I have to call you Dad?” “It’s either that or Mom,” Tim said with a chuckle. Then he glared. “That was a joke. You better not call me Mom!” His features softened somewhat. “At least not in public.”

“Now what do you like about William?” Jason glanced up at the Juicy James booth, the boy in the goofy cowboy uniform now a skinny redhead, but he still caused pangs of nostalgia. “Everything,” Jason said. “His face, his smile, the way he smells, the way it feels to hold him. I love how high-pitched his laugh gets when he’s really cracking up and the way he looks ashamed after he farts.” Jason chuckled to himself.

“You have no idea how lovesick I’ve been. All I do is listen to The Cure and pace my old bedroom. It’s pathetic.”

William leaned closer. “I’m miserable without you.” “How come?” Jason asked. “Because I love you.”

“I hate when a party is over,” he said. “Really?” William asked from next to him. “Why?” “Because endings are sad. They always make me cry.” “Even when they’re happy?” “Especially when they’re happy because then I don’t want it to be over.”