#Chapter513I’m sorryJosieI was getting my stuff together when I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find Payton standing there, holding two Slurpees.Payton took a deep breath, then said, “I’m sorry. I know we have spent little time together, and I want to make it up to you.”I took the Slu
“How’s Shaun?” I asked.Before Parker answers, we heard Selena yell, “Shaun, you need to take a shower!”“Do I have to?” Shaun yelled back.“Yes, now come on,” Selena yelled back as we chuckled.Josie looked at us, confused. I looked at her and said, “Shaun won’t take a shower unless someone is in t
#Chapter514LucilleJosiePayton and I were up in his room studying for final exams when he went to get us snacks. I jotted down some notes when his phone lit up with notifications. I looked over and stared at it. Lucille? What in the world?I picked his phone and opened it to find messages to Lucil
“Yes, we established that. How you two got together is beyond me,” Markus said as we looked at him. Then Britt pinched him. “What was that for, crabby?” Markus asked her.“You’re ruining a moment. Now shut the hell up and let them finish,” Britt told him.“Fine,” Markus grumbled.I sighed and looked
#Chapter515Not all is as it seemsHaydenLeslie and I spent time together, which I missed. My sister is incredible. She accepted me when I came out. Our parents, not so much. They cut me off, and Leslie worked to help me go to school while I had sports scholarships.I realized I was gay during my s
#Chapter516A Gray family ChristmasPaytonWe came home for Christmas, and our brothers tackled us as soon as we hit the door. They missed us. Park shoved them off him since he hates it when our brothers grab him. I got Pat and Presley into a headlock until they declared uncle. It’s a typical day at
I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and led him back to the celebration. My ma taught me that Christmas is for family and friends. While we were celebrating Christmas, the phone rang, and Patty answered it. She handed it to me, and I answered it.Jonas called to hassle me as Cayson followed, callin
#Chapter517Dance with mePaytonWe returned to school and started the new semester. It was nice to get back because my brothers drove me nuts. Since I’m the oldest, I get to referee them. Thanks, Ma and Pops, for having more kids.I took a break from my family and issues. I went to see Josie and kn
#Chapter654Happy anniversary, Patty and NateMaggieWe got back, and everyone got settled. The boys went to pick up family members from the airport. The girls and I checked the hall to make sure everything is ready. Lyric and Larkin brought the cake and desserts. Lakin and Luna helped Lex and Nash
“That’s why I became a pastry chef,” I said, surprising Dad. “You taught me you could love what you do and make people happy. You were patient with me and never raised your voice while encouraging me.”“You had this shyness to you that people didn’t understand. It didn’t matter because I did,” Dad s
#Chapter653GraduationPresleyIn the next few weeks, we spent studying for finals as Payton, Parker, and Markus finished school. Our parents were coming in along with the brothers and sisters. They had to pick up their caps and gowns for graduation.After my last final, I came home and collapsed on
Pax looked at me and arched an eyebrow.“Okay, we had a lot of issues, but it’s time to put those issues to rest,” I reasoned.“I didn’t understand why we didn’t get along growing up,” Pax said to me.“Because brothers fight, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t protect you if someone else hurts you,” I r
#Chapter652ResolutionKayleeWe returned from our trip, and Caleb called us down to the station. I didn’t know what to expect coming into the station. Presley and I entered and stopped. I looked at the station, remembering what happened.“Are you okay?” Presley asked me.I sighed. “I didn’t underst
Markus walked as he dragged me behind him until we were out of earshot from everyone. He released my arm.“If you want to redeem yourself, then you and I are working together,” Markus informed me.“Redeem me with what?” I asked.“Nora,” Markus told me.“I apologized to Nora. We’re good,” I replied.
#Chapter651Spring break funPresleyWe spent the rest of spring break kicking back and having fun. We needed it after the few years we had. My brothers and I faced off against our cousins, Shaun, and Hayden in beach volleyball.The girls hung out and talked. Now, here is the issue with our girls. T
I looked at Josie, who talked to Selena. I ignored a girl because I had issues, and it turned out to be the best thing for me.I almost lost my chance with someone incredible because I didn’t see Josie. It took her to open my eyes before I lost my chance.Josie looked at me, and I smiled. “What?” Jo
#Chapter650Spring breakPresleyWe went to Myrtle Beach for spring break since our family owns a beach house. Plus, I thought Kaylee could use the distraction. Jaime was still working on the case with Martinez. His lawyer wasn’t budging.Caleb thought it was best if Kaylee didn’t return to work unt