Page 126 of Last First Kiss

“Okay,” Jordan says.

“No,notokay.” Jamie rubs one eye with the heel of his hand. “I’m almost twenty-seven years old, Jordan. Do you know how hard it is to get good insurance on your own? How ridiculously unaffordable healthcare is in this country?”

Shame twists Jordan’s face. “No.”

He doesn’t turn twenty-six for a few more months. Even then, he’s not worried because 24 Carter Gold has incredible employee benefits. Uncle Kenny made sure of that.

“I’m nothing like my parents,” Jamie rasps. “All my life, I’ve been the rebel. The black sheep. They never had a problem telling me that.” He blinks too fast. Wiggles his nose. “When I was younger, I used to believe they filled out a form for a particular kind of child. Therightkind of son. Instead, they got me.”

Jordan’s chest tightens. “That’s fucked up. You know that, right?”

Jamie sighs. “Of course. Doesn’t change anything.”

Jordan scoots a little closer.

“I’ve done my best to never depend on them,” Jamie says. “Never seek their approval. I had the friends I wanted. Dated whoever.” His jaw stiffens. “They called it a phase. Like one day I’d suddenly become the son they hoped for. It never happened.”

Jordan inhales with him.

The rain picks up outside.

“After college,” Jamie continues, “I put as much distance between us as possible. We see each other for holidays. Lunch or dinner once a month. And every single time, my dad points out what I’m doing wrong with my life. My mom brings up who I was as a kid. Before I could think for myself.”

Jamie’s hand reaches for his hair. Jordan grabs his wrist before he can. He holds it gently, giving Jamie his full attention.

“They want me to get serious about a career. Money.” Jamie scoffs. “As if that’s all that matters.”

Jordan’s thumb drags along the soft hair on Jamie’s forearm.

“They don’t even love each other,” Jamie spits. “They love the financial security they give each other.”

Quietly, Jordan says, “That’s sad.”

“Like they care.”

Jamie pulls his hand away, and Jordan hates how his fingers briefly miss the connection.

“All I wanted was to prove that wealth and status and flaunting it to everyone isn’t what defines you,” Jamie says.

“It isn’t.”

Jamie’s body sags, tired. Weighed down. There’s something broken in his eyes when he looks at Jordan. “I believed that. But when Denz left… I started to struggle.” His voice breaks as he adds, “And I needed them.”

The thunder growls again. Rain comes even faster, heavier.

Jordan’s eyes stay steady on Jamie.

He never knew. All those months around each other. The times Jamie suggested simple, often free things for them to do. Things Jordan loved because it usually meant it was just them. No distractions, no interruptions.

But there was a reason behind it all.

“They were right,” Jamie says, voice still thick. “I wasn’t serious. And money did matter. So they agreed to help me.” He waves an arm around weakly. “They paid the entire year’s rent. Gave me whatever I needed. Under one condition.”

Instantly, it clicks.

Jordan whispers, “Sloane.”

“To them, she’s the perfect woman,” Jamie confirms. “All I have to do is beseenwith her. With them. In front of their friends.” Frustration creases his brow. “In their circle, Amy and Sam’s wedding is a big deal. And all my parents want is to make sure their pansexual, bartending, rebel son looks ‘appropriate’ and impresses their crowd.”