Page 26 of Noah

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Kyle." I didn't expect an answer.

"I'll show you the window they broke," Jamal said and continued across the library to where a window had been boarded up. "Just busted right through the glass."

"Where were the computers?"

"Along that back wall there." Jamal pointed.

An askew assortment of desks stood empty other than a litter of tangled cords. It was a hallmark smash-and-grab. I wasn't even sure if the theft was motivated by the objective of fencing the goods. They weren't worth enough. And most had been damaged. I had a sinking feeling that stealing the computers was a way to punish the LGBTQ youth for just being themselves.

"I think this might have been a hate crime," I said.

Jamal sighed. "I think you're right."

I shook my head. "That isn't one of the charges. I'll chase it up."

"I appreciate that. We need more attention brought to the ongoing discrimination."

"Especially, against kids."

Jamal motioned toward the door. "Thank you for coming down. It's nice to know someone from the queer community is prosecuting for the crown in this case."

The pieces fell into place.

"Noah told you about me," I said. "That he knows me from the pub."

Jamal smiled at me. "He had a lot of good things to say." His words made my senses buzz. We made our way down the hallway toward the entrance. "He's in the gym."

I thanked Jamal, slipped away from him, and went to stand at the entrance to the gym. From where I stood, I could see Noah dribbling the ball, shooting, and blocking. He looked comfortable out there. He'd obviously spent some time playing sports.

His gaze caught me, and he smiled.

I didn't even need to think about it. I smiled back. He tossed the ball to one of the kids and jogged over to me. "How do you feel about going out for a coffee?"

"We can talk some more."

Noah chuckled. "That would be the goal."

"I'd like that."

"We can walk to my favourite place from here. Let me grab my coat."

I waited outside a room for him, kids walking by, staring at me. I was out of place here. There was nothing more to it than that. Thankfully, the discomfort was short-lived. Noah and I were soon walking down the street toward the more populated Cook Street Village.

The coffee shop we ducked into was not somewhere I had been before. I let my gaze sweep over the place, mapping it out in my mind, and making note of where the washrooms were.

"Noah … who's this?" A voice with a lilt of teasing.

I looked back toward where Noah had led me. Standing behind the counter was a man with an incredible smile on his face and eyes I was sure were twinkling with pure joy. He had hair like mine. An absolute riot of dark uncontrollable curls. He was extremely attractive with sultry lines and stubble and seemed to know Noah well, judging by the loving look he was giving him.

One of the close friends Noah had told me about perhaps.

"Ethan," Noah said. "This is Brody."

"Oh … now this is rich," Ethan replied. "Give me a sec. Coffee is on me. Then go find a seat."

Noah and I placed our orders while Ethan tidied up a few things behind the counter, then took off his apron, and followed us over to a table. Ethan was grinning at me as we sat down.

"So," he said. "You're the guy from the pub who propositioned our young Noah." The burn went from my ears, past my cheeks, and down my throat to my collarbones.

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