Because such powerful hope was rising in him, Sebastian had to make sure he reacted not in the way he wanted but in the way that was right. “Let’s say she is interested in me. And let’s say we get together. It would be painful for you to have to see us together, to have to hear about our relationship. I can’t be with her if I know it’s going to make you unhappy.”

They’d reached the fender of Ben’s Jeep. They faced each other.

Ben knew him better than anyone, and Sebastian couldn’t help but feel as though his skin was being pulled back so that Ben could see inside.

“Remember that time,” Ben said, “when we were in middle school and those two kids hissed racial slurs at me when they passed us on the field? You ran after them and started punching them in the face. All three of you got suspended.”

“Yeah.”

“I could name at least five other times when you’ve stuck up for me. I think you felt like you had to defend me because I was Black and because I’ve never been the kind of person who strikes back when someone insults me. But you might not know that I’ve also always felt the need to defend you. Because of your history, I can’t help but want the best for you.”

Sebastian bristled, his brow knitting.

“Don’t give me that look. I don’t pity you, Sebastian. I just want what’s best for you.”

Except that Sebastian suspected that Ben did pity him, regardless of the things he’d accomplished.

“Go ahead and ask Leah out,” Ben said. “I won’t stand in the way.”

Sebastian stared at him with disbelief. “Like I said, even if she does want to be with me, I can’t be with her if it’s going to make you unhap—”

“Good grief. Can you stop being so bullheaded for one minute?”

Sebastian supposed the question was rhetorical.

Exasperated, Ben shook his head. “I really do deserve a medal for putting up with you all this time.”

This statement, too, seemed rhetorical.

“You might not have noticed, but I’m no longer someone you have to defend,” Ben said. “I’m a grown man, and I can deal with pain.”

“But—”

“Men fall for women all the time who don’t end up feeling the same way about them. The fact that Leah doesn’t want to date me isn’t going to ruin me.”

Sebastian set his jaw.

“I’m trying to give you my blessing,” Ben said. “The only thing I’m worried about is whether or not you’re ready to open yourself up to a real relationship. Are you?”

“I don’t think she’s going to want to date me, let alone get into a serious relationship with me.”

“That’s a non-answer.”