Page 105 of Lost Boy
“Spend my gift cards,” I add, hoping she’ll help me with some clothing choices. I might get a few new vinyls too.
“Ooo! Yay!” she exclaims, always full of energy and enthusiasm. “Can I help?” she asks.
I turn around in my seat and give her a small smile, catching her off guard and silencing her for once. “Yes, please.”
“O-okay. Cool,” she stumbles over the shock before giving me a megawatt smile like her brother’s.
I turn back in my seat and relax while Ryder drives us to the small music shop they love so much.
* * *
Sofie flips through the classic rock albums, trying to help me decide betweenLynyrd SkynyrdorPink Floyd. Ryder has his long arms wrapped around my smaller frame from behind while I lean back into his hard chest.
None of us are really paying attention. We’re just having a good time, looking for music and T-shirts.
“So you really are gay? Not just getting your dick sucked ’cause you won the championship and can make anyone do what you want?”
I didn’t even hear the bell ring. Where did they come from?
“Shut your mouth around my little sister.”
Ryder pulls Sofie and me behind him, standing tall.
“Aww. Look at big, bad,gayRyder Cruz protecting the weak and innocent.”
“You’re a jerk, Dustin! I’ve told you to stop messaging me. You’re not coming to my birthday party,” Sofie yells at him, never afraid to voice her opinion.
“You stalking my little sister?” Ryder crowds into Dustin, who just brushes him off to walk down a different aisle like he’s afraid to talk shit too close to Ry.
“Nah, I’m over that little girl. I’m into real women.”
Sofie throws her hands up. “Then leave! Stop messaging me on Insta and just. . . GO. AH. WAY.” She sounds it out loudly and slowly. Dustin’s face turns red, but he doesn’t say anything. His hateful eyes dart to me next, running over my body quickly, and I see a hint of something in his gaze. Something I don’t even want to examine.
“Yeah, just fuck off, dude. Okay? Your team lost. I’m gay. Leave my sister alone. Done. End of story. We don’t have to ever see each other again. So please, let’s make that happen.”
I snort at Ry’s tone, and Dustin’s eyes narrow, but I couldn’t care less. He can fuck all the way off. Like Ryder just said.
Dustin huffs out an annoyed breath. “I don’t have to take orders from you just ’cause you think you’re better than me.”
“My team won. I’m definitely better at basketball.”
“He’s a better person too,” I add. “You’re a shit human.”
“And you’re just a make-up-wearing fagg—”
“Hey!” the old man behind the counter shouts. “Not in my store!” He storms over and stands in front of Dustin, pointing toward the door. “Out.”
“You can’t kick me out, old man.”
“I can and I will. Hate speech isn’t tolerated here. You will not verbally assault paying customers. Now leave, young man.”
I see hurt flash through Dustin’s eyes before being replaced with his usual cruel stare.
“Whatever. Stay away from me with your gayness, and I’ll stay away from you,” he sneers like the homophobic asshole he is.
“Perfect! Absolutely perfect! You’ve got yourself a deal, Dustin Flynne. Now, please. Fuck all the way off.”
Dustin turns on his heel and storms through the front door, letting it slam and bang closed loudly.
