was it that good of an idea?

Nick still wasn't sure it was a good idea to bring Heath along. But Olivia and Ellie kept saying why not. Nothing bad would happen. Granted, the party was probably not in Heath's league, but he wore a red Husker T-shirt with khakis shorts. He was so not the Heath that Nick knew, but he guessed it was better that way. Especially, afterwards when they went to his parents.

They were so happy to see Nick and Heath, too. Such a real Mom and Dad. So happy he was making friends away at college.

"We have to have a cook out now," his Dad had said who told him his step-brother was coming in to. "He should be here tonight. He's got a new girlfriend."

Nick mustered up a smile, and he looked at Heath who kept his hands in his pockets and acted as if he didn't have a gay bone in his body. He kept his eye on a football game that Nick knew he hadn't a clue what was going on.

"Next time, we're going to your parents." Nick told him in his room.

"Fat chance, that'll happen," Heath was practicing with a football as he found his way to a bean bag.

"This is so bad, my brother, Rex." Nick shook his head.

"Why?" Heath looked at him.

"He won't shut up about me having a boyfriend. He likes to tease me about crap like that." Nick bit his bottom lip.

Heath just smiled as if he'd kiss him if he could, but for now, they would be miles a part. Heath would sleep on the floor in the sleeping bag. It would be normal. Completely. Nick didn't know if he could stand it.

"And he's just your step-brother?" Heath smirked.

Nick heard them downstairs then. His brother was home. He always had to have this irritating loud welcome thing going on with them. It was as if they'd missed him. How could they? He came home at least once a month as it was.