“And you were kids back then,” Jasper said reasonably as he wiped down a counter.

“Exactly. And now I’m an adult and supposed to not be a dumbass anymore.”

“I get that.” Body tensing, Jasper paused for a long moment, mouth opening and shutting a few times. “It’s just…”

“Yeah?”

“I get wanting to show him that you’ve changed. But I also think he’s not your dad and you’re not fourteen anymore.”

Ah. I got it now. Jasper was afraid that I wasn’t ever going to tell Bruno about the two of us. And while I was worried about that—okay, terrified—I’d also promised Jasper that I wasn’t going to hide forever. I hadn’t gotten as far as coming up with a plan for telling Mom or Bruno, but to me, that was a separate deal. “This isn’t about coming out.”

“Okay.” Jasper didn’t sound like he believed me. “I’m only trying to say that if it was, you’ve got friends now. You’ve got me. I’m not going anywhere, even if Bruno gets mad at you.”

“Thanks.” A quick glance at the dining room revealed that Jasper’s parents had finally left the table. Thank God, because no way could I not kiss Jasper after a declaration like that. He truly was the best of guys. I brushed a soft kiss across his very surprised lips, loving the way his mouth curved into a smile even as we kissed.

“I still want to find those cards though.” For whatever reason, I just couldn’t seem to let it drop. And maybe Jasper was right and coming out was somehow wrapped up in all of this in ways I didn’t particularly want to consider, but regardless, I wanted to make this one thing right.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Jasper nodded like the universe would simply have to bend to his mighty will.

“You’re incredible.”

“I try.” Jasper’s shrug was so much like his mom’s that it was almost eerie. He seemed eons more mature than me in that moment as he patted my arm with a damp hand. “And so do you. I wish you’d give yourself more credit.”

“I’m trying. But I want to earn it too.” My ribs ached with all that I wanted to get right in my life.

Jasper didn’t let go of my arm, gazing deep into my eyes like he could see all that yearning churning inside of me. “And that’s admirable. Truly. And I want to help.”