Page 206 of Fragments

It’s pretty fucking insane. How Dash ever would have escaped and then somehow met up with a guard who used to work in the prison he just escaped from is like something out of a movie.

But more than anything, I’m happy for him. He was so anxious about discovering his sexuality when he was in here. Now, he’s out in the real world, and he’s in love with a beautiful fucking man.

Honestly, that dude Kemper… Yowza.

“The very same,” Dash says with swoon in his tone.

“He’s so fucking hot,” I rumble, and Lex elbows me. “What?? Kemper is asmokeshow. Nice work, queen. Fuckin’ slay.”

Dash snorts. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me… And I never would have found him if it weren’t for Alabaster fucking Pen. So really, I just wanted to call and thank you guys… For being my friends, even when I know it probably wasn’t easy. Luthor… you especially.” He pauses to sigh. “You’re my best friend in the world, and I miss you so much. But I need you to know how grateful I am for you sticking by me when I was… spinning out.”

Lex’s eyes are glistening, emotion etching his features as he smiles wistfully, clearing his throat to cover it up. “Have you been… feeling okay?”

“Yea, for sure.” I can picture Dash nodding. “It’s been tough… But also eye-opening.” He clears his throat. “I’m, um… I found out I’m Schizophrenic.”

Wow.My eyes spring to my friends. Byron also appears surprised by this, but Lex doesn’t. He’s nodding like it’s something he might have already been suspecting.

“I mean, I just found out, like officially,” Dash goes on. “And Kemper’s been amazing. He’s so supportive and sweet, and I just can’t believe I actually have him now. The real him…”

My forehead lines. I don’t quite get what he means by that, but Lex has some serious realization dawning on his face right now.

“He’s the officer…” Lex whispers to himself, eyes wide.

“What was that?” Dash asks, and Lex shakes his head.

“Nothing. Listen, man, I’m really fucking proud of you for figuring your shit out. Seriously. I just hope wherever you guys are that you’re safe…”

“I think we are,” Dash says. “Kemper’s been talking to Joy a lot… I know it isn’t exactly smart, but I’d love to call you guys again, if I can.”

“That would be awesome.” Lex grins.

“Gives us something to look forward to,” Byron murmurs.

“If you could just put your phone on speaker while you and Kemper get busy, it’d mean a lot to me,” I tease, and Dash laughs.

“You’re such a pervert.” Lex rolls his eyes at me.

Leaning into his side, I whisper, “A pervert who licked your ass for twenty minutes yesterday…” I press a slow kiss on his neck, and he shivers.

“Warren!” Dash snaps over the line, and I jump.

“Huh?? What did I do?”

“How are you guys doing?” Dash asks, sounding much more stern all of a sudden. “Have you been thinking about that talk we had before I left…?”

My lips twitch. “Yes, Dascha. I’m practically a Boy Scout at this point, thanks for your concern.”

“I don’t remember Boy Scouts sixty-nineing each other for badges,” Byron scoffs.

“You and I clearly had different experiences, then,” I sneer at him, and he fakes a laugh.

Hey, at least he’s talking to me.

“I expect an update on this next time I call,” Dash says, obviously to me.

“You’re giving me homework?” I whine. “You’ve changed, man. “Coming out turned you into a party-pooper.”

Dash chuckles some more, and I just know he’s shaking his head.