He smirks. “It doesn’t, does it? But it will happen. I’ll help you get to the top of that mountain.” He waits for me to agree, and when I do, he says, “Let’s begin.”

Benny, Rhett, and Xavier are hanging out in my room when I get back to the dorm. Benny and Rhett are all over each other right in front of Xavier, which has become pretty standard practice. It’s always a bit weird because even though both Benny and Xavier insist they were never really a thing, they sort of were? I don’t know, maybe I’m not an enlightened gay yet, but it would be damn near impossible for me to just casually hang out with Jack and another person he might be dating. The thought alone is damn near overwhelming, and I have to fight the monsters in my head who seek to draw me further toward my fears.

Luckily, Benny is quick to distract. “Chase, settle something for me. Who is the better kisser, X or Rhett?”

“Uh.”

“Pucker up, buttercup,” Xavier says, holding out his arms toward me.

I shove him away. Not because I don’t want to kiss Xavier because hello, he’s gorgeous, but this is way too uncomfortable.

“See, I told you that would get his attention,” Benny says.

“You’re an ass,” I deadpan.

Benny smiles sweetly. “I know. But we’re all about to head out soon and wanted to make sure you’re okay. And you can still change your mind and come home with me for a Big Fat Italian Thanksgiving at the Gorgas’.”

I resist the urge to make a Real Housewives of New Jersey joke.

“Me too,” Xavier says. “Invitation still stands.”

“Same,” Rhett offers in a vaguely Southern twang. “Though Turkey Day at my house generally consists of boxed mac and cheese in front of the TV while watching football.”

There’s a bit of sadness in his eyes, and I’m realizing now that in all the times I passed him on my way to his and Jack’s dorm or casually hanging out with Benny while he’s there, I don’t actually know anything about Rhett other than his penchant for Febreze and that Benny tells me Rhett sometimes cries after sex. Which is more information than I needed, frankly.

“Why are you even going home?” Benny asks. “Just come to my house.”

Rhett shrugs. “I’ll probably end up there after I come out to my parents.”

My brows raise. “You’re doing that this weekend?”

“It’s a bit cliché, isn’t it?” Benny says.