He left his parents’ home office, the voices growing louder as he hurried down the hall.
“I’d offer you a glass if you weren’t driving,” his mother said. “Although a little sip wouldn’t hurt. If you want.”
When he heard Anthony laugh in response, Cameron broke into a sprint and practically leaped down the stairs to the entryway.
“Hey!” he said, eyeing his mother critically before turning his attention on Anthony. “You’re early!”
“I couldn’t wait to see you,” his boyfriend replied.
“Aren’t you adorable!” Brenda enthused. “You make me wish I was sixteen again. And a gay man.”
Anthony grinned. “I mean, that’s basically who I’m dating, a younger gay version of you.”
“We don’t havethatmuch in common,” Cameron retorted, eyeing the wine glass his mother held. “Did you at least eat lunch?”
“Oh stop,” Brenda said. “You enjoy your weekend. I’ll enjoy mine. Have funs, boys.”
He waited until she had left the entryway before wincing in apology.
Not that Anthony seemed distraught. “Your mom is so cool,” he said.
“She can be,” Cameron replied, forcing away his unease. “Come on up. I was just talking to Ricky.”
“I thought he was grounded from everything. Including the phone.”
“Almost. Come see.” He led Anthony to the home office and gestured at the monitor. “There he is.”
Anthony walked closer and peered at the screen. “Is this the BBC thing you guys used to flirt with each other?"
“BBS,” Cameron corrected, “and that wasbeforeI met you.”
“But still, there are a bunch of gay guys on this thing, right? You’re basically going to bars without me, you heartbreaker.” Anthony sat down at the computer. “So I just type whatever I want to say?”
“Yup! Do you know how?”
“Yeah. I took a typing elective last year, since you don’t have to study or memorize anything. Besides where all the keys are.”
Cameron pulled a chair over to sit next to him as Anthony silently read the screen and then reached for the keyboard.
CAMERONX: Okay, I’m back.
SKYLAR99: Who was it?
CAMERONX: Diego Gomez.
SKYLAR99: REALLY?!?!?!
Anthony chuckled to himself before typing more.
CAMERONX: Yes really. He came to say that he’s madly in love with me. Remember when he chased me around the grocery store? That was the first hint. Like a little boy pulling a girl’s hair on the playground.
SKYLAR99: Ha ha.
CAMERONX: I mean it. He’s licking my toes right now.
SKYLAR99: You suck, Anthony.
CAMERONX: How’d you know it was me?