Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Speaking of Kael, he’s wearing a sweatshirt that reads Under Construction with a trans flag across the front.
“The flower is definitely a nice touch,” he says with a roguish grin, and I can’t help smiling back because he’s a good guy. My underlying jealousy has nothing to do with him.
Austin told me he confided in Kael about our little experiment, and I’m okay with that. Besides, if he didn’t know what we were up to, he’d be mightily confused right about now.
“Let me put this in water.” Austin fumbles around until Kael reaches for a cup and tells him he’ll handle it.
“Thank you,” he says, then looks at me. “Guess we should get this over with. I mean, get going.”
I look away as I grin, then hold the door open for him.
When we step into the hallway, I say, “You look nice.”
“Thanks, my mom helped me…” His hand covers his mouth. “Oh God, that sounds babyish. Um, thanks, so do you.”
It’s so endearing, and I feel a fluttering in my stomach. He’s trying so hard, and I don’t want to break character, so I head toward the steps, and he follows me out to the sidewalk.
“How about some Mexican food on the pier?”
“Sounds good.” For a brief moment it feels like a real date, not that I’ve been on any. But it’s that same nervous energy as a hookup, wondering if your vibes will match. Even though I already know I do with Austin.
“I like their guacamole,” he offers as we head across campus, so apparently, he’s not breaking character either because it’s the whole reason I suggested the place.
As soon as we’re seated, I say, “I hope you’re comfortable going to the bonfire with me.”
He hitches a shoulder. “Well, I’m comfortable with you, so that helps.”
I wink. “But you only just met me.”
He smirks. “Well, like you said, it feels like I’ve known you for longer.”
“It does.”
We share a smile as the server approaches to take our drink order. I almost wish I could order a stiff one, but instead, I suggest two virgin margaritas with salt, and Austin nods. Our usual order.
We dig into the salsa and guacamole as I lob more getting-acquainted questions at him. By the time our food arrives, the vibe is more relaxed as we share about our families and hometowns. We pretend not to be talking about each other when mentioning friends, and it’s fun, like hearing about ourselves from another point of view.
“I walked into class, saw that pretty copper hair, and knew we’d be friends. Even though he was shy, with his nose constantly stuck in a book, I was drawn to his energy.”
Austin’s face is flushed, and I can tell he likes hearing me recount our friendship. “It was the same for me with my best friend. He’s got this charisma and friendly face, and when I noticed we had joined the same after-school club, I sat next to him on purpose. Our parents were both going through a divorce, so we bonded.”
Austin reaches for his drink as I say, “I’m glad you have such a good friend.”
He snorts, chokes on the liquid, and almost spews it all over the table. I chuckle as I hand him a napkin. “Oh God, I’m so embarrassed. Sorry about that.”
“No worries, I can make a fool of myself too.” I purposely knock the saltshaker over, and it spills. “See?”
When the bill comes, he tries to reach for it. “Let’s split like we always—”
“No way. I asked you on this date.”
“Dex—”
“You can get the next one. I mean, if you want there to be a next one.”
His eyes grow wide at the suggestion. “I…uh, I suppose that remains to be seen.”
My stomach bottoms out, though I know he’s teasing. “Good one.”
That’s when I realize how truly important all this is to me.
Bill paid, we head to the door and then down a path leading to the beach.
The night air is a bit chilly for this time of year, so the heat from the fire will help. But when I feel Austin shiver beside me, I step in front of him to run my hands up and down his arms.
“You want my hoodie?” I ask.
“Then you’ll be cold.”
“I don’t mind.”
Austin pokes a finger at my chest. “See? You would be good at this stuff.”
“I am good at it—with you.”
His eyes glaze over before they clear, and I wonder what he’s thinking right then. That I’m full of shit, or that he wishes I were someone else? That’s what this is all about, after all, but I’m not bullshitting him. I’ve always cared about his well-being. Maybe I’m laying it on a little thick tonight, but it’s not that far of a leap from the real me.
“Let’s get closer to the fire.” He motions to the partygoers surrounding the flames. “That’ll help.”