Page 75 of Hooked On Him

“For us?” Austin asks. “What does that even mean?”

“You know. We go away for school, live our lives, then meet up later in life. It’s what our fathers did with our moms. Now it’s our turn.”

I’m so lost, my eyes ping-ponging back and forth between them.

“Our turn for what?” Austin asks, confused.

“To be together, silly,” she laughs. “Our parents always knew it was going to happen.”

Austin bursts out laughing, and Rebecca scowls.

“What’s so funny?!”

“I’m sorry.” He gets a hold of himself. “I’m so sorry for laughing. But you do realize how ridiculous that is, right?”

“Why?” she glares at him. “Why would the idea of being married to me be ridiculous?"

“Married?” I whisper, eyes widening in shock.

“Because I’m gay,” Austin says as if he’s reminding her.

“No, you're not,” she scoffs.

“Yes. I am. I’m gay. Very gay. Everyone knows I’m gay. So does my father. So for him to be talking about me getting married to any woman is his own delusion that he can’t accept his son for who he is. I’m sorry you were brought into this, but whatever my father is saying about me is a lie. I cut ties with him years ago. I have nothing to do with that man or his company.”

That's not entirely true. He does have access to his father’s money.

“And like I said, I’m gay. This man here.” He holds up our joined hands. “The one you’ve so rudely ignored this whole time is my boyfriend.”

“Your boyfriend.” She finally looks at me, and I have the urge to slink back at the nasty look she sends my way. “You would rather be with him than me?”

“Ah, yes,” Austin says.

“Why?!” she stomps her foot like a spoiled brat.

I actually look around to see if there are some hidden cameras because I feel like I’m being pranked right now. This is so bizarre.

“For one, he has a dick.” Austin snorts. “I really like dicks. And you don’t have one. I’m sorry, but how much more do I need to be clear that I’m gay?”

Her face starts to turn red, and I don’t know if I should feel sorry for her or laugh.

I don’t laugh, that would be rude. But she’s also being rude, too.

“You know what? Fuck you, Austin Cade! You never deserved me anyways. I can do way better than you.” She turns on her heel and storms away.

“What the hell was that?” I ask once she’s out of sight. I look back at Austin, and his face looks pissed. “Hey, are you okay?”

“No,” he says, voice low. “I’m not okay.”

My heart sinks. “Do you wanna talk about it?” I ask, softening my voice.

He shakes his head. “Not right now.”

“Okay.” I really want to know the details, but I’m not going to push him. I want him to trust that he can open up to me, like I did with him. “Let’s go home. I’ll drive.”

He nods, and I take the hand that’s still in mine and kiss the back of it. He gives me a small smile, and I take the win.

The car ride home is filled with tension. When we pull into our parking spot, I turn the car off and turn to him. “Are you okay?” I ask again.