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secret. The lack of connections and the living a double life so Decker, Zach, and Kendrick don’t find out, those two things are exhausting me, man. I’m just done, over it. I’m out.”
    Adam looked at him sadly and shook his head, “That’s the problem, darling boy. You’re not out ; you’re still very much in . I know you have to come to this decision on your own, but I think coming out to your brother and cousins would open some doors for you. You could meet guys here on campus, you wouldn’t have to hide and sneak around.” Sawyer knew Adam only gave this lecture for his own good, but he got tired of hearing it. “At least consider, once you’re home, living as a real-live adult, putting down roots, that you’ll come clean to your family so you have their support and you can start living like the real you instead of this façade.”
    “No promises, man. I hear what you’re saying, I do. I just don’t know if I can bring all of that down on my family and open up that can of worms in Small Town, USA.”
    “Okay, then, what about this promise? Since you won’t have me around to talk to; if you’re not going to open up to at least Decker, would you promise me you’ll start seeing a therapist once you’re back in Torey Hope?” Adam spoke hopefully.
    “Yeah, man, that part I can promise because I know I’ll be lost without you to talk to.” Sawyer stood and hugged his crazy friend to his chest. “Thanks, man, I know you’re always just trying to help.”

Chapter 5
    Present day
    The couch welcomed Sawyer’s weight as he sank onto it heavily. He had about an hour before he was scheduled to meet his family at his grandfather’s house. The captain and Janie were having a get together and Sawyer had decided he would tell the rest of his family his secret.
    The house was quiet. Decker and Katie were out running around before the family gathering; Kendrick was probably nursing a hangover in the bed of last night’s conquest; Zach had left early to go help their cousin Zoey work in her garden. Sawyer appreciated the silence, but the stillness gave him too much time to overthink his decision.
    A knock sounded at the door startling Sawyer from his thoughts. He pulled his 6’2” frame up from the brown suede sectional couch which took up two walls of their living room. As he pulled opened the door, his face broke into a relieved smile; he hadn’t realized he was longing for company, but seeing the man standing on his doorstep made him realize he needed a friend.
    Did Hayden Marsten qualify as a friend or more? Now wasn’t the time to evaluate their new relationship, he just knew he was grateful to have Hayden show up.
    Stepping back from the door to allow Hayden room to enter, Sawyer offered a genuine smile to him. “Hey, man, what brings you by?” Sawyer knew the reason Hayden was there, but he decided to go with small talk first.
    “As if you don’t know why I’m here, Sawyer.” The eye roll and head shake were subtle, but Sawyer caught them.
    “You’re right, I do. Thanks for coming to keep me company until I head over to the captain’s house. I was feeling a little alone here with all of my thoughts.” Sawyer stepped closer to Hayden and let the other man pull him into a comforting hug.
    “Do you want something to drink? Have a seat, and I’ll grab us something. I’ve got beer, water, pop, and juice.” Sawyer longed for a beer to help with his nerves, but he wanted to have his faculties about him when he spoke to his family.
    “I’ll take whatever you’re having, thanks.” Hayden ambled to the living room and comfortably took a seat; he’d been over to the house enough times that he knew to just make himself at home.
    Sawyer grabbed two water bottles out of the fridge setting them on the counter. Mechanically pulling two glasses out of the cabinet, the grinding of the ice maker as he filled the glasses didn’t even faze him. Turning he stood at the sink as he poured water into the