Two teenage boys were certain they’d be best friends for life. With clear paths planned for the future, they were ready to take on the world. All it took was one deep—very adult kiss to throw them off kilter, and their plans turned to dust. One chose a path toward stardom and stage lights while the other stayed behind in their hometown and pursued his dream of being a cop. Although they hoped to see one another again, neither thought it would ever happen.

No one can turn back time, but perhaps the future can be altered with a little luck—and a lot of love.

Gamble: I was fifteen when I realized I was in love with my best friend, Bix. Since then, not a day has passed when he didn’t cross my mind. I arrived in L.A. at eighteen with nothing more than raw talent and a dream, then fell face-first into drug addiction but not before my band hit it big, earning awards and million-dollar paychecks. Success was one thing, but I still wanted Bix and the simple life we once had growing up on Starfish Island.

Bixby: I spent a lot of years worrying about Gamble. The entertainment news was great about airing his dirty laundry, which kept me aware of how low he was sinking. Now I worried he might not survive. I’d wanted him since that one perfect kiss we shared on graduation night, and I’ve wanted a lifetime of more with him ever since.

Possible Triggers: Mentions of drug addiction, overdose, recovery, and a gunshot wound.

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