Page 31 of Riley

I lifted my head, if only to grab my phone and silence the notification.

“Lover boy texting you already? Wanting some of that grade A Evans di?—”

“Oh my God, Chris, stop! No, it’s my brother. We’re doing the club scout this weekend. You know, where we’re supposed to go into the city and find the perfect pen of debauchery or whatever...”

“You should invite Lover Boy. I bet he’d be down to get low or whatever it is the kids are calling it these days,” Chris said, sticking his tongue out and making metal head signs with his fingers.

“I...”

I hadn’t really thought aboutinvitinganyone because, truth be told, I hadn’thadanyone to invite, until now.

Come to think of it, Ididwin the last game, and the winner got to pick the next date.

Certainly, my brother wouldn’t object.

Just as I contemplated Chris’s words, the lunch bell rang, and I realized I hadn’t even finished my salad.

Damn it!

“Ah, well, that’s my cue, Romeo. Catch up with you and that Grade A later,” Chris called over his shoulder, his hand hitting the top of the door pane on his way out.

I sighed as the students filed into the room, vowing that during class time today I’d finish my lunch the way it was intended,and perhaps, I would take the initiative to invite Eric out this weekend.

CHAPTER 14

Riley

I casually sketchedout a bust on my paper, if only because I needed to keep my hands busy while the rest of my students worked on their still-lifes.

I’d stared at the current set up of flowers and vases and reflective objects long enough, not to mention my brain kept replaying last night over and over. That moment on my porch, where Eric looked up at me with hope and wonder.

Like he could seeme.And not just the me that towered over him, but the me I hadn’t realized I’d lost.

Slowly, I shaded in the clavicle, adding shadows to the neck and side of the head, cross-hatching the bust into more of a silhouette.

By the time the bell rang, I had Eric’s facial features sketched in, albeit they were mostly visible via the shadows.

“Remember, your projects are due Friday!” I said, assuming my authority again as everyone started packing up.

“So, those of you who need art passes, make sure you see me no later than tomorrow morning!” I announced, though as usual, no one took me up on the offer.

I turned around to clean up the remains of my lunch, when a voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Did you... uh... have a good time last night?” I turned around to see Trevor, tugging on his bookbag.

“Trevor, hey... I, uh... yeah, I had a great time. With... my... friend. My friend, Eric,” I said awkwardly, almost word vomiting.

Trevor shook his head with a grin. “I know it’s none of my business but, uh, it’s just... I didn’t think you were into guys...” he said hurriedly, recovering with, “Like Eric. I mean, it’s cool if you are but, like, I just...”

“Trevor, I?—”

“I mean, you seem like a really nice guy—for like, an old guy?—”

Old guy?

I’m only thirty-eight for fucks sake!

I’m not dead!

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