Page 107 of The Fake Out Flex

We laugh and have a good time.

No one's the wiser.

Not Levi. Not my parents. Not anyone from Fraser's family.

It's our little world. Our little secret world.

"Up for a lightning round of questions?" I ask.

He turns his head, looking at me side on. "Uh, sure."

Six weeks ago, he would have hesitated. Maybe even said no. He's come a long way.

"Great. We'll take turns asking each other questions. Want to go first?"

"Nope. You can."

"Okay. Favorite book, assuming you read."

He scoffs. "I read, thank you very much."

"Sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I know you're capable of reading, I just didn't know if you like to do it for pleasure. Or even if you have the time. You're pretty busy with hockey."

"That's true. But I like to read before I go to sleep. It relaxes me."

"Cool. And again, I apologize. So, what's your favorite book?"

"That's a tough one. There are too many to choose from."

"Okay. I'll make it easier for you. Favorite book that you've recently read?"

A few moments pass, then he responds with, "The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. I hope I'm saying his name right."

"What's it about?"

"It's a spy story that explores identity, politics, and the Vietnam War from multiple perspectives."

"No wonder it puts you to sleep."

"Hey." He gives my arm a playful squeeze.

"Your turn," I say, secretly wishing he'd keep his hand there longer, but unfortunately, he pulls it away.

"Um. Okay. Let me think. Okay. I've got one. Why do you like punk music?"

"Why can't I like punk music?"

"You absolutely can. I'm just curious. Someone like Dawn liking punk music makes sense. Someone like you, not so much."

"What does that mean?"

"Ah, ah, ah, I believe I'm the one asking the question."

"Fine." I stare up at the ceiling as I formulate an answer. "It's like, I'm not an angry person, but I guess I have a little rage within me. Like we all do. Listening to punk lets me tap into some of those emotions I usually ignore without, you know, doing anything that will see me getting twenty-five to life."

"That's a good answer."

"You're happy with it?"

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