Page 124 of Resist Me

“Sen.”

“Sen…” His eyes widened. “Dumont.”

Immediately, Sen’s shoulders rose. Travis must’ve noticed his reaction because he got to his feet and moved toward us. There was something in his eyes, restrained, but it reminded me of what I’d seen from Sen.

After a moment, Travis smiled. “You two make a beautiful couple. I’m glad you got out of all that.”

“It wasn’t easy.”

“Did you… go back?”

“Two more summers.”

“Jesus. I’m sorry, man. I wish we could’ve kept in touch. It might not have changed what you had to go through, but still. You know, I wondered about you for a long time.” His eyes shifted to the side before coming back to him.

“Really?” Sen relaxed a little. “I actually thought you were dead.”

Travis laughed. “Dead? Why?”

“That’s what they said at camp. That you killed yourself in the bathroom.”

“My god. That’s… horrible. I wish I could say I’m surprised, but places like that have done worse than make shit up to scare kids. I’ve heard too many stories from people who reach out to me online, ones who know people who’ve actually committed suicide because of harmful people like the ones at Dumont. It’s reprehensible and makes me sick that you had to live with that memory.”

“Yeah, but I’m really glad that you’re okay, that you’re here. I hope you and your dad have figured things out.”

“We have a good relationship now. What about your parents?” Sen looked down at his feet and Kai tightened his arm around him. Travis’ eyes softened. “I’m sorry, man. Look, we’re not heading back to Atlanta until tomorrow. Are you guys free to hang out with the rest of the team? I’d love to catch up.”

My mouth dropped open. “You’re inviting us to spend time with the Atlanta Braves?”

“Yeah, why not? Sorry, I didn’t get your guys’ names.”

“I’m West. This is Linc.”

“Cool. Are you guys together?”

I wrinkled my nose. “I’m not gay.” His confused expression made me grin. “Well, only for him. Maybe Kai if he’d have me, but he only gets wet for Sen.”

Linc groaned. “It’s best to ignore him. He just likes to hear himself talk.”

I gasped and put a hand on my chest. “Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it isn’t offensive.”

“You’ll get over it.”

“You’re a hoe. I’ll beat you in another duel.”

“You didn’t beat me.”

“Prove it.”

He shot Kai an exasperated look. He just shrugged and started talking to Travis. I watched them all exchange numbers and wondered if they’d become besties.

After sticking my tongue out at Linc, I headed over to the table I’d seen as soon as we walked in. It was loaded with food and I was starving.

“You just demolished that hot dog,” my oh-so-overbearing boyfriend said.

“I’m a grown man. Five thousand calories per day is the absolute minimum. Oh, shit. They have pinwheels. Love those fucking things.”

It looked like I was embarrassing him. Good. He got himself into this mess. I wouldn’t be West Densmore if I didn’t consistently test his feelings for me by being the biggest pest ever. Not a cockroach, though. Absolutely not.

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