The question startled Booker out of his trance and turning his head, he focused on Penhall’s worried face. Since getting caught naked in Tom’s apartment, he and Doug had managed to avoid each other. It was an unspoken arrangement designed to protect Tom, but it also forestalled the inevitable awkward conversation. For Penhall, the reasons behind his circumvention were obvious. He was still coming to terms with the idea his best friend was bisexual, and although nonjudgmental, he needed time to process the information. Then there was a disturbing image of Booker’s assets swinging free in the breeze, the memory of which he did not wish to recollect ever, and keeping away from the dark-haired officer seemed the easiest way to avoid a repeat performance.
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Wary, Booker gave an evasive shrug. “Meaning he’s doing okay considering everything he’s been through.”
Conscious of the sullenness behind Penhall’s stony silence, Booker blew out his cheeks in frustration. “Look, man, I don’t feel comfortable talking about Tom’s private life, okay? Maybe the two of you should go out for a drink or something, then you can ask him yourself.”
Doug snorted. “And you’d be okay with that? C’mon, Booker, even you’re not that good of a liar.”
Refusing to acknowledge Penhall’s attempt to wind him up, Booker’s expression remained neutral. “Sure. I think it’ll be good for Tom.”
It was on the tip of Doug’s tongue to scream, ‘Bullshit!’ but he managed to contain himself. Booker was trying not to be a complete pain in the ass, and the least he could do was acknowledge the effort.
Rising from his chair, he flashed the dark-haired officer a half-hearted smile. “Yeah, okay, maybe I will,” he muttered, and without waiting for a reply, he walked away. …show more content…
Sexual assault not only stripped away their dignity, it slowly chipped at their confidence to the point where they doubted anybody would take their testimony seriously. It was one of the reasons many survivors refused to lay charges, leaving many rapists to walk free. But for Booker, he would die before he let that happen. Ever since Tom had voiced a desire to take the Pi Taus down, he had made it his personal mission not to let the topic die. He brought it up as often as he could, gently prompting and encouraging his lover to take the step and file a report. And while it now appeared his persistence had paid off, he knew it was only the beginning of a very long, difficult road toward justice. Tom would face many highs and lows throughout the lengthy legal process, all of which would put a strain on their relationship. But after all they had endured, he was confident their partnership would survive. All they had to do was believe in what they had, and everything else would fall into place. The universe had brought them together, and he doubted it had any intention to tear them
Wary, Booker gave an evasive shrug. “Meaning he’s doing okay considering everything he’s been through.”
Conscious of the sullenness behind Penhall’s stony silence, Booker blew out his cheeks in frustration. “Look, man, I don’t feel comfortable talking about Tom’s private life, okay? Maybe the two of you should go out for a drink or something, then you can ask him yourself.”
Doug snorted. “And you’d be okay with that? C’mon, Booker, even you’re not that good of a liar.”
Refusing to acknowledge Penhall’s attempt to wind him up, Booker’s expression remained neutral. “Sure. I think it’ll be good for Tom.”
It was on the tip of Doug’s tongue to scream, ‘Bullshit!’ but he managed to contain himself. Booker was trying not to be a complete pain in the ass, and the least he could do was acknowledge the effort.
Rising from his chair, he flashed the dark-haired officer a half-hearted smile. “Yeah, okay, maybe I will,” he muttered, and without waiting for a reply, he walked away. …show more content…
Sexual assault not only stripped away their dignity, it slowly chipped at their confidence to the point where they doubted anybody would take their testimony seriously. It was one of the reasons many survivors refused to lay charges, leaving many rapists to walk free. But for Booker, he would die before he let that happen. Ever since Tom had voiced a desire to take the Pi Taus down, he had made it his personal mission not to let the topic die. He brought it up as often as he could, gently prompting and encouraging his lover to take the step and file a report. And while it now appeared his persistence had paid off, he knew it was only the beginning of a very long, difficult road toward justice. Tom would face many highs and lows throughout the lengthy legal process, all of which would put a strain on their relationship. But after all they had endured, he was confident their partnership would survive. All they had to do was believe in what they had, and everything else would fall into place. The universe had brought them together, and he doubted it had any intention to tear them