Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez Read Free Book Online Page A

saw him chew his nails. That surprised him. He didn’t think of Jason as nervous. He always seemed so cool and confident. His hands looked strong. Kyle imagined what it might be like to hold one, to feel the calluses and the strong fingers. His grip on the steering wheel relaxed. He turned onto Piedmont Street and pulled up in front of Jason’s house.
    He half expected Jason to bolt from the car, just as he’d run from the youth group, but instead Jason stared at him curiously until he finally said, “You knew exactly where I live.”
    Kyle blushed, realizing his mistake. Busted.
    The car began to roll. Kyle slammed on the brake and fumbled with the gear shift. “I better put it in park.”
    “Good idea,” Jason agreed. He looked out the window at his house and sat quietly a moment, before turning to Kyle. “Look, can I ask you something? So, are you …?”
    Kyle knew what Jason was asking, but he hesitated to come right out and tell him, afraid that Jason might never speak to him again.
    “Yeah,” he finally said. “Gay.”
    Jason studied him and remained silent a moment, clutching his backpack close to his chest. “A bout that group …” He bit his lip, then continued. “I never thought I’d see anyone from school there. You know I have a girlfriend. I mean, we have sex and everything.” Kyle nodded. He wanted to say the right thing. “I know,” he uttered simply, amazed at how confident and self-assured it sounded. He was enjoying being with Jason, sitting beside him, and didn’t want the afternoon to end.
    Jason let out a sigh. “Thanks for not saying anything in front of her.”
    Kyle’s new self-confidence gave him the courage to say more. “Well, if you ever want to go back to the meeting, I can give you a ride.
    You know, go with you.”
    Jason’s face clouded over. “Listen”—his voice quivered—“I told you, I’m not …” He grabbed the door handle. “I better go.” Kyle sat up. He’d blown it again. “I’m sorry. I just—”
    Jason pushed the door open and climbed out of the car. “Thanks for the ride.” Kyle watched Jason stride up the sidewalk and disappear into the house. He felt like his heart was being ripped out, while his mind swirled with the lingering scent of Jason. He looked at the car clock and saw that he was already fifteen minutes late for the orthodontist.
    Crap. He took a deep breath, shifted into drive, and floored the accelerator, feeling like the most unlucky boy on Earth. Oh well, at least Jason had sat in his car.

CHAPTER 6
    The following morning, Nelson rummaged through his closet, searching for his camera.
    His mom called out the latest countdown. “Nelson, it’s seven thirty-three.” She should’ve been a mission controller for the space program. “You’re going to be late for school again.”
    Nelson yelled back, “Have you seen my Polaroid?”
    His mom leaned in the doorway. “Look at the mess you’re making!”
    “Kyle got his braces off. I’ve got to take his picture.”
    His mom raised an eyebrow. “I swear, sometimes I think you’re in love with him. Let me check in the den.” Nelson paused his search. Did the whole world think he was in love with Kyle?
    His mom yelled, “Here it is!”
    Nelson hurried to the den. “Thanks. You’re the best.” He grabbed the camera and smacked a kiss in her direction.
    In order to catch Kyle before homeroom, Nelson ran all the way to school, slowing down only once for his morning cigarette. He arrived just as Kyle closed his locker. Nelson grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around. “Let me see!” Kyle cracked a smile. “Was it worth three years of looking like a nerd?”
    “You look even more studly than before.” Nelson opened his backpack and pulled his camera out. “C’mon. I want to take your picture.” Kyle held up his hand, trying to block the camera. “Not here!”
    Before Kyle could protest any further, the Polaroid flashed and spit out the photo.
    Kyle leaned toward