Love Times Three

Summer Before High School

The summer before high school was a lot. Dallas' grandmother took responsibility for the fire and opted to use the money she had to live in a senior living facility. Dallas' mother was yet to be found and his father straight up said he didn't want him. Lily and Asher were a mess about the whole ordeal because they feared he'd have to move away. The entire time they were in limbo he was living with Lily and her family. Dallas and Lily loved it. Things were different, but they didn't speak on it.

Dallas found his gaze lingering, while Lily's touch remained longer than needed. Mary Beth was a Black grandmother who knew and saw all, but she was also a hopeless romantic and knew something right and deep was going to forge through this dynamic.

It wasn't until a month before high school that Mr. Reynolds opted to adopt Dallas. He couldn't believe it. The family he had always wished were his had gone out and done it. They had a huge party on the teens birthday that 4th of July to celebrate and the trio couldn't have been happier that they weren't getting split up.

Asher and Dallas made their way into their room with smiles. "I'm really glad you're staying." Asher said causing Dallas to nod. "Me too. I don't know what I'd do without you guys." Asher smiled before pulling Dallas in for a hug. "I love you, Dallas." Asher said. Dallas patted his back in the embrace. "I love you too, man."

Asher took a deep breath and shook his head as he pulled back. "No, I love you. I'm in love with you." Dallas looked at him shocked. "I think I knew sixth grade. You were mowing Madere's grass and I felt like I couldn't breathe. You were so handsome and I felt enamored, but you are my best friend."

Asher sighed loudly. "How could I justify having feelings for my best friend when I also had feelings for my other best friend?" Asher groaned as he looked down. "After everything that happened with the fire, I just...I couldn't not say anything. I'm in love with you, Dallas and I really hope it doesn't freak you out or-"

Dallas crashed his lips on Asher. The kiss startled the redhead, but soon he was into it. They moaned and held onto one another like their life depended on it. "I love you too." Dallas said against his lips before kissing him deeply. "Guys, I was wondering-" Lily froze at their doorway. They pulled apart looking at her. She looked startled until she started smiling. "I KNEW IT!" Lily squealed before pulling them in for a hug.

They were shocked. "I knew you liked each other! You guys never talked to any of the girls in class and I saw you both checking out Mr. Morales. This is awesome! My best friends are gay and in love!" Dallas shook her off with a chuckle. "We're not gay." Lily looked at him confusedly. "Bisexuality is a thing, you know?" She giggled at him. "I know that, but I've never seen you with a girl. Either of you." Dallas scratched the back of his head.

"That's because we're into the same girl." Dallas looked at him with wide eyes as Lily's expression matched. "She's great. We're happy and in love." They watched the light dim in her eyes. "Wow...love. Must be serious." She looked down at her fingers and they knew immediately she was upset. "Well, I came up here for something and now I don't remember. I'm happy for your newfound relationships. Bye."

Lily all but ran out of the bedroom and both Asher and Dallas sighed loudly. "We got to tell her." Asher said, but Dallas shook his head. "I'm not ruining our friendship." Asher looked at him with a sigh. "It didn't ruin our friendship." He was right, but Dallas couldn't shake it. They both meant the world to him, but Dallas just felt like Lily was a flight risk. He wouldn't jeopardize what they had for what could be when what could be wasn't certain.

Those few weeks, the guys found themselves not seeing Lily. Madere said she started volunteering in preparation for college already and they believed it. Lily was an overachiever who already had their college career mapped out. They were going to go to Texas University before moving on to work for Mr. Reynolds' company. Dallas would work in the construction part of things, while Lily would handle financing. Asher would be the face and relator allowing them to be together even in work.