Paxton’s apartment felt smaller than usual.
Kevin stood by the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, jaw tight. Paxton sat on the couch, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor like it might give him an answer.
“You’re still doing it,” Kevin said.
Paxton didn’t look up. “Doing what?”
“Protecting him. Making excuses. Telling me to stay out of it every time I try to help Alex.”
“Troy’s my friend.”
“And Alex is drowning.” Kevin’s voice rose slightly. “You’ve seen him. You’ve seen the way he flinches. The way he checks every word before he says it. How long are you going to pretend that’s normal?”
Paxton rubbed a hand over his face. “It’s not that simple.”
“Then explain it to me.”
Paxton finally looked at him. “Troy doesn’t let people go easily. You know that. If I push too hard, h
