Page 22 of Tongue-Tied

That’s why I’m taking this conversation with a grain of salt.

Good idea. I blow out a relieved breath.

Talk to you and DB later.

You’re an ass.

That’s what Dildo Baggins said.

I smile to myself as I remove my Bean Necessities apron and wait for Evie to take my place.

Is there anyone else who’s ever made me blush and laugh as much as Dex?

This might be a cringy mistake, but I’m desperate.

At the dining hall, Kael and I claim seats with Angelica and her friends. I forgot to get a drink, so I stand in line near the soda dispenser to wait my turn.

“Hey, you.”

I turn to find Darren and Trent heading toward the pizza station. He hasn’t sat beside me in class since that one day because the chair’s been occupied by a girl who moved up front to see the whiteboard better. It’s a blessing, really, since I still get a bit flushed and shy around him, even knowing he’s taken. Just how it is.

I smile and wave, grateful that I don’t have to speak. Pathetic.

After I sit back down, I listen in on Kael’s conversation with the others, wondering how people do it so effortlessly. It’s overwhelming to even think of something interesting to say in a group setting with strangers. I do way better one on one, and obviously, with people I’m not attracted to. Not that I’m into anyone at this table, but it’s not that simple when it comes to me and my hang-ups. I might be awkward around cute guys, but I’m also painfully shy and introverted. So yeah, a double whammy. Go me.

I pull up a Kindle book on my phone and flip to the page where I left off last night. I’ve already finished the friends-to-lovers book with the speed of light and have moved on to the second in the series involving coworkers who hate each other. Or so they think.

“What are you reading?” Angelica’s friend, Luna, asks.

“Oh, um, a romance.” I have trouble meeting her eye.

It’s not that I’m embarrassed to be reading a romance. I didn’t feel that way when Everly first approached me, mostly because he seemed genuinely interested in finding books to read, and also, even though he’s cute, he’s not really my type.

“What kind of romance?” Luna asks, and I groan inwardly. It’s uncomfortable explaining romance to people who don’t understand the genre and have preconceived notions about it. Except for Everly, who always asks me for the smuttiest suggestions. Not that all romance is smutty. It’s pretty diverse, really.

“It’s a Victoria Paige book from her Forever series.”

“What’s it about?” She seems interested, so I indulge her by reciting the premise of the book.

“Is there sex in these books?” Luna asks.

“Yep, but in varying degrees from closed door to full-on graphic.”

Her eyes widen. “I’ve been missing out, then.”

I laugh. “It’s really all about the romance for me. I can take or leave the sex.”

Okay, I’m telling a little white lie. I do enjoy all the sexual tension.

“If you’re gay, why do you read straight romance?”

It’s not a bad question. But again, preconceived notions.

“I read all kinds. I’m more interested in the characters and story arc, not necessarily their gender or sexuality.”

“Makes sense.” Luna smiles. “I like that. Maybe I’ll download the first book.”

My gaze snags on a familiar figure walking across the room. Brandon. I lose my train of thought as I watch him sit next to that same guy from the party. Are they a thing now? Or just friends who’ve reconnected?

---