I Can't Live Without You, Pretty Boy

By Gracie Lockey

She's a whole lot of angst with a whole lot of beauty.


He's a whole lot of romance with a whole lot of pretty.

Brooklyn Evans and Harley Parker have known each other since first grade. They were friends up until three years ago; after the crash.


After three years apart a fall brings them together. They're both keeping secrets. He's dying without a liver transplant. She's missed him no matter how cold she seems.

Navigating the twists and turns of dating, dying, and secert keeping are not easy. But together will they make it work?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gracie Lockey
• Release date: Sep 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9798215079973

Book preview

Gracie Lockey

I Can’t Live Without You, Pretty Boy

Copyright © 2021 by Gracie Lockey

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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To Gabe who’s started a fire in my icy heart. May you always be there to restart the flames.

And I’d give up forever to touch you. ‘Cause I know that you’d feel me some how.

- Iris

- The Goo Goo Dolls

Contents

You’re the One Who Chose to Fight

Brooklyn Evans

I was Thinking of Dropping Out

Harley Parker

I Want to Travel the State

Brooklyn Evans

They Were Meant to Be

Harley Parker

Your Eyes are Kind of Cute

Harley Parker

I’m Sorry, Pretty Boy

Brooklyn Evans

Without it I’ll Die

Brooklyn Evans

Take Care of Brooklyn

Harley Parker

Trying Isn’t Good Enough

Brooklyn Evans

This is Perfect

Harley Parker

I Love You too, Pretty Boy

Brooklyn Evans

Just Because You’re Breathing Doesn’t Mean You’re Okay

Harley Parker

To be With Him

Brooklyn Evan

If You Want to Play Dirty Then I’m Gonna Play Dirty

Harley Parker

Wolf Promised

Hope is a Dangerous Thing

Brooklyn Evans

As Good as I Can Get, Pretty Boy

Harley Parker

Where are You Little Flower???

Harley Parker

Wake Up Please

Brooklyn Evans

I Know You Like The Back of My Hand

Harley Parker

You’re Heart Was Big Then, and it Still is Now

Harley Parker

Without the Dark you Wouldn’t Have the Light

Brooklyn Evans

I Need You to Keep Living

Harley Parker

You Had Nothing to Worry About

Brooklyn Evans

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by Gracie Lockey

You’re the One Who Chose to Fight

Brooklyn Evans

While walking down the hallways I always have two things on my mind. One, why am I here when I know I just want to work construction for the rest of my life. Two, why does everyone have to walk so slow. They make me almost late for class, and I love Mr. Johnson. He teaches wood-shop. It’s the only class I am currently not failing in my older brother’s eyes.

Our parents died when I was first in high school. Now my brother has high expectations because he finished college and nursing school by the time he was 24, because he’s a genius. I’m different, I haven’t applied for any colleges, I haven’t done anything for my future. Except maybe figure out the construction bit.

People at school sometimes stare. Which is expected when you’ve gotten into fights over nothing. I fought a boy who was being a huge dick to Harley Parker. I punched a girl who was making fun of Beth Nelson for her weight. You know something she can’t help. I fought with another boy who didn’t listen to Ashley Scott when she told him no. Hey, that made me think, maybe I shouldn’t work construction and instead should become an MMA fighter. Nah, I need an actual reason to punch you.

Right now, I’m at my locker getting my books so I can leave. I have my earbuds in listening to punk pop. I was putting the last book in my bag as Harley Parker fell down by my feet.

Are you okay? I asked, pulling out my earbuds.

Oh yeah I’m just admiring your sweet kicks.

Harley always reminded me of the kid in all the high school rom-coms. The one who’s never been kissed. Harley has always been a walking rom-com. A terrible cheesy one like 12 little poems.

Harley stood up off the ground. He grew two inches taller than me since our fallout. He was wearing a light blue sweater with a plaid button down underneath. His collar was poking through; as were the cuffs of his sleeves. He had on a pair of jeans and the same Vans he’s has since 10th grade.

Yeah I’m sure you were.

Hey I never got to thank you for standing up for me.

It was nothing. Justin is something else. He deserved it.

Harley had a genuine smile. He was always too easy to read or I used to know him too well. Either way he was blushing as if I just told him I hooked up with Bruce Defalco.

You do know I could’ve put up the fight myself, right?

Yeah and then what? Were you going to end up forgiving him afterwards? Dude it’s fine, don’t worry about it.

Harley then opened and closed his mouth. He did that a few more times.

Listen it’s fine, I said. Justin is like an annoying twelve year old boy that just doesn’t know when to shut his trap. I needed a release anyways.

But you shouldn’t have to get in trouble for me.

You’ve made me late, pretty boy.

He was turning even redder. If that was even possible.

For what exactly? I never pegged Brooklyn Evans as the kind of girl to do extracurriculars, Justin King said, coming up behind me.

Justin put his arms around me trapping me in them. He’s putting up the front he’s trained himself to do. He may act like this huge prick around everyone else, but I know his secret. Once you get under all the layers of ice his dad froze over, he holds a drowning beauty.

None of your business.

Come on, I’ll give you a ride, Justin said.

The last thing I need is for Justin to give me a ride home. I don’t need my brother to get any ideas. Especially because I’m failing.

I’m good.

No, I’m driving you princess, Justin said.

I live a few minutes away, no need to waste your gas.

Justin then grabbed my wrist. He put his other hand on my hip.

Justin let her go.

I guess Harley could still read me. That can only mean one thing. He still hasn’t let go. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t hold onto him.

What are you going to do about it, bookie? Are you going to just recite a poem that will magically make me let go of Brooklyn? Justin asked

Justin let go of me. He walked over pushing Harley down onto his ass.

Harley knows how to fight. He could easily take down Justin. But he doesn’t. Harley much rather get his ass handed to him then have someone have a pretty little bruise on their face.

Justin, stop it.

Oh, princess I can’t. Apparently bookie thinks he can tell me what to do with my property.

First off I’m not your fucking property. Secondly, I’ve kicked your ass once for hurting Harley and I will do it again!

As Justin turned around to face me, I sent my fist flying to his face. I heard a sickening crunch as it hit his nose. He quickly regrouped and sent his fist flying into my right eye. I then kicked his stomach, sending him down to the ground. I put him in a headlock.

You want to apologize to Harley?

I’m sorry, bookie.

That’s not his name.

I’m sorry Harley.

See, was that so hard? I asked.

I saw the vice principal, Mr. Price coming our way. I released Justin trying to not get in trouble.

Ms. Evans, Mr. King I need to see both of you in my office.

I tore a piece of paper off a poster hanging on the wall and quickly wrote down my number.

Here Harley. I’m sorry. For everything.

I handed Harley the piece of paper with my number on it.

In case you want to talk later.

I’ll give you a call.

With that I picked up my bag and chased after Justin.

Great going jerk.

Me? You’re the one who chose to fight, princess.

I punched Justin square in the jaw one last time for good measure.

Ms. Evans, I suggest you stop before you get yourself in more trouble.

Yes, Mr. Price.

I know how this is going to go. I’m going