Go Your Own Way (29 page)

“Will? Is Lennox—oh. I just set up a bed for you on the couch.” The boys stirred and sat up as Karen stepped off the last stair. “A little silly, I guess. I’ve got an extra toothbrush and some towels here, too. I figured you two could share this bathroom.”

“That’s fine,” Will said. He settled back down and toed his shoes off, and then plucked at Lennox’s shirt. “Hey, lay down.”

Karen disappeared into the bathroom and then came back. “Do you two need a blanket?”

“Please.” Will’s hand yanked again, and slowly Lennox dropped back into his side, his eyes heavy, but his mind trying to force itself back to alertness. Karen didn’t want him down here with Will. Maybe they didn’t want him near Will at all. The heavy, thick blanket was draped over them.

Karen sat on the edge of the bed. “Anything else? You’re okay?”

But she wasn’t addressing Will. Lennox peered up at her from where his face was buried against Will’s neck and, slowly, nodded. It was unnerving to be asked that so much, to begin to think that perhaps Will wasn’t the only one beginning to care for him—that perhaps more than politeness was behind those words. That he was being asked if he was okay because he had every reason not to be.

“All right, get some sleep. You get to pick breakfast in the morning.”

Will groaned. “Ugh, don’t pick fried eggs, Lennox. That’s all Karen ever picks.”

“I—what?”

Karen smiled slightly. “It’s only fair that you get into the rota­tion,” she said. “It’s been just me and Will for too many weeks now, and I think we’re both sick of the other’s favorite. So it’s your choice tomorrow. Any ideas?”

“Um, food? It’s, like, night right now. Who thinks about break­fast this late?”

Still, Karen only smiled at him and finally, he threw out a sugges­tion, more to be left alone with Will and his warmth than because he wanted it.

“French toast. Happy?”

“Great. Good night, Will.” She kissed his forehead and then glanced down at Lennox. “Good night, Lennox.” Her hand brushed his curls aside. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

He grunted as she headed back upstairs. “Is she always so—so—”

“Like a mom? Sometimes.” Will shifted and hitched the blanket up to their chins. “She’s a good friend, too.”

“Right.” He pressed his face back into Will’s neck and sighed.

“Goodnight,” Will whispered.

“Then blow jobs in the morning, yeah?”

“Shut up and get some sleep. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

For once, Lennox believed that. It was a promise he expected to be kept.

The End

First, to Cynthia and Shoe. Without your demanding encour­agement this story never would have seen the light of day. I would have remained a “closeted fic writer,” as you so kindly put it, and this story never would have passed that first 400 word drabble. Thanks to both of you, Maggie and Lee for all the late night shenanigans while I wrote. You kept me going before I knew what direction I was headed in.

Thanks to Lira for your invaluable guidance and the much needed slaps on the wrist. You taught me so much in those early days, but more than anything, you showed me what persistence is. Thank you for your knowledge and sticking with me through all the insanity that came along the way.

Az, you crazy anti-snow Texan. You read this one first, slapped a lot of commas on it and have been there for me throughout this entire process. Thank you for your friendship, guidance and excited text messages. And the cuteness that is Duckie. Give that kid the best world we know.

To all of my creative writing professors, I was that quiet kid who sat off to the side, but I enjoyed every moment in your classes. Every insight and helpful remark has made me a better and more aware writer, and I can’t thank you enough for that.

Next: Mom and Aunt Shelley. Did you think I’d forgotten you? Your acceptance, encouragement and life-long support means everything to me. I would not be who I am today without your love and dedication to always wanting what is best for me, even when I cannot see it myself. Thank you for always allowing me to be the person that I am.

And of course, to fandom. You guys are one big, infectiously loving family, and its thanks to all of you that I continued to write and found the path to being confident in my own work. This story surpassed my wildest dreams and I hope you love these new boys as much as the old.

And last, but never least, Interlude Press. Candy, Annie, Lex, Becky, every editor and proofreader, all of you are incredible. Even now, this moment feels surreal, but you offered me an opportunity to run and I hope I never stop.

Zane Riley wrote his first work of fan fiction in the fourth grade, a
Star Wars
story in a notebook recently unearthed from the back of a closet.

A recent recipient of a degree in English: Creative Writing from the University of Mary Washington, Zane was managing editor of the
Rappahannock Review
, the school’s literary journal.

In his spare time, he is a musician and frustrated fan of the Baltimore Orioles.
Go Your Own Way
is his first novel.

1. What influence did Lennox’s grandfather have in shaping
his personality?

2. Why do you think Lennox is so aggressive in his pursuit
of Will?

3. What kind of person would Will have dated if he hadn’t
met Lennox?

4. Why does Will keep engaging Lennox when they first meet, even though Lennox appears to be
harassing him?

5. What does Will see in Lennox that no one
else sees?

6. Lennox acknowledges to himself that he loves Will. Why doesn’t he
tell him?

7. Why is Lennox unable to accept
basic kindness?

8. Why does Lennox confide in Lucy when he is so closed off with
everyone else?

9. How does Will’s father’s illness contribute to changes in Will’s outlook
toward Lennox?

10. How do Will and Lennox change
each other?