Him and His Hoodie novel Chapter 5

"No," Jerome said. "For multiple reasons but the main one being I just so happen to like Nolan more than you."

"Dad, are you going to let Jerome say that?" Alan asked.

Dad furrowed his eyebrows. "Uh, yes? Jerome is Nolan's friend. Him saying that is like your basketball teammates saying they like you better than Nolan."

"Exactly," Jerome said. "Come along, Nolan. Time to leave."

My scowl was back on my face as I followed Jerome to the front door where we put our shoes on, then headed outside and to Jerome's car.

"You really shouldn't be scowling this whole time," Jerome said.

"I should, and I will."

Jerome chuckled as we got into his car. "Alright, but it probably won't last long."

"Says you."

He was right. It didn't last long. My scowl ended up fading as soon as we got to the boardwalk because it was one of my favourite places. Well, only when it wasn't too crowded which, thankfully, it wasn't right now because the weather wasn't the greatest right now.

Spring was always indecisive weather time.

"Awe, would you look at that," Jerome said as he parked the car. "Your scowl is gone."

"Don't make me scowl again."

"You and I both know you won't."

"You can't tell me what to do."

Jerome and I got out of the car as he said, "You know, most people would think you snapping at people is annoying, but I find it very cute."

No. Why did he have to call me cute? Now I felt the insane need to blush and I really didn't want to, otherwise I might be making it too obvious I had a crush on him.

Thankfully, I didn't feel my cheeks burn so I hoped I wasn't blushing. And Jerome didn't say anything about it so maybe I just got lucky since I normally blush easily.

The first thing we did at the boardwalk was get food since Jerome knew how much food calmed me down and he didn't want me to scowl again. He even knew my favourite food to get at the boardwalk.

"Won't you get cold?" I asked.

"Nah, I'll be fine," he said as he took of his hoodie before handing it to me.

I thanked him before putting it on, immediately feeling a bit warmer. "Ooh, this is comfy," I said. "Are you sure you don't need it?"

"Hey, I took her here to try to make you feel better so right now, your well-being is more important than mine," Jerome said. "Besides, I grew up in Canada. We're used to the cold. This is nothing compared to the temperatures we got there."

"Fair point," I said. "Thank you, by the way. For trying to make me feel better. It actually worked."

"You're welcome," Jerome said. "And if you're ever feeling down, just tell me and I'll gladly take you somewhere or come over to hang out. I know what it's like being in the closet and afraid to come out. I want to be there for you so you won't have to go through it alone."

I smiled at him. Why did he have to be so perfect? Why did I have to fall for him? He was my only friend.

My best friend.

I was way in over my head.