Page 102 of Notice Me, Jameson Hart

“Hey, hey,” Jameson shuffles closer. “It’s okay.”

“I know. Don’t mind me.”

Jameson’s arms wrap around me, and that’s when I completely fall apart. The sobs come harder, shaking my whole body as I bury my face in his volunteer shirt. It smells like laundry detergent and dog and him, and somehow that makes it worse and better at the same time.

“It hurts so much,” I manage to get out between gasps, my words muffled against his chest. “Having Robbie shut me out like this. He won’t even look at me.”

Jameson’s hand moves to my back, rubbing slow circles that anchor me even as I’m drowning in sorrow.

“I’ve never told anyone this,” I continue, the words spilling out, “but Robbie’s always been my favorite brother. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but he’s mine. He’s the one who made me laugh when kids at school were mean. He’s the one who stayed up with me when I couldn’t sleep before auditions. And now he can’t even stand to be in the same room as me.” My voice cracks completely. “Being iced out of his life is breaking my heart.”

“Oh, Kevin.” Jameson’s voice is soft against my hair. His arms tighten around me, and he rests his chin on the top of my head. “I know it feels impossible right now, but it’ll get better. It’ll take time, sure, but before you know it, Robbie will be back to his usual self, giving you noogies or whatever annoying big brother thing he does.”

Despite everything, a wet laugh escapes me. “The most annoying thing he does is pants me.”

Jameson pulls back slightly. He’s laughing harder than I’ve ever seen him laugh. “Wait. Like, he actually pulls your pants down?”

“It’s not funny!” I smack his chest, which is as solid as a rock. It only makes him laugh harder.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he gasps between laughs. “It’s just—of all the things—pantsing!”

“He thinks it’s hilarious,” I grumble, but I’m fighting a smile now. “Last time he did it was at Tyler’s birthday party in April. In front of everyone. I was wearing my Superman boxers.”

Now Jameson’s crying from laughter, and I can’t help but join in. We must look ridiculous, standing here in a dog shelter, crying and laughing at the same time. Bear watches us through the kennel bars with what I swear is judgment in his eyes.

“Superman boxers,” Jameson wheezes. “Please tell me you still have them.”

“Absolutely not telling you that.” I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand. “And if you ever tell anyone about this conversation, I’ll share that video Ethan sent me yesterday of you trying to do the Macarena at your cousin’s wedding.”

His face goes blank, and he blinks wildly. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

Martha chooses that moment to stick her head around the corner. “Everything okay back here? Sounded like someone was dying.”

“We’re good,” Jameson assures her. “Just having a moment.”

She looks between us, takes in my red eyes and Jameson’s arm still around my shoulders, and nods knowingly. “Well, when you’re done with your moment, the senior dogs need their afternoon walk. Unless you’re too busy being adorable.”

After she leaves, I lean into Jameson’s side. “You’re amazing, you know that? Most guys would run away from a sobbing mess.”

“I’m not most guys,” he says simply, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “I’m Jameson Micah Hart. Kevin Theodore Pryor’s amazing boyfriend. Now, come on,” he says, tugging me toward the senior dog kennels. “What do you say to walking some dogs who won’t judge us for being emotional disasters.”

“Speak for yourself. I’m a very composed emotional disaster.”

“The most composed,” he agrees, and takes my hand. Though the expression on his face tells me he doesn’t buy it for a second.

But that’s okay. I like him anyway.

CHAPTER 23

the campfire song

My pajamas have taken up permanent residence in Adam’s dresser, which tells you all you need to know about the continued state of the Pryor household.

It’s Labor Day weekend, which means every teenager in Arcadia is heading to Archer’s Creek for the traditional end-of-summer bonfire.

“Rita’s here,” Adam announces, walking into his room wearing a red polo shirt, khaki shorts, and flip-flops.