Page 51 of Coach
“I think it’s sweet. I mean, you know me, I hate sweet things. But you’re a gay guy, and you’re supposed to be a little fruity.”
I groaned. “I am not fucking fruity.”
She snorted again. “Whatever. Just—”
Ding.
My phone.
Neither of us moved.
“Well, are you going to check it, or do I have to crack your password?”
Reluctantly, I reached over and grabbed my phone, flicking the screen to life.
M. Ricci:Hey. I have shitty news. One of my kids got hurt at practice. I’m at the hospital with him and his parents. Looks like we’re going to be here a while.
M. Ricci:I’m so sorry. I was making something awesome for dinner tonight.
I slumped down on my stool.
“What?” Stevie asked.
“He’s canceling.”
She blew out a low breath.
M. Ricci:I know this is going to sound weird, and feel free to say no, but I have a group of friends getting together to do trivia night tomorrow night. It’s not exactly second date material, but it is fun, and I kinda want to see you again.
M. Ricci:Want to join us?
M. Ricci:My friends aren’ttotallyscary.
“What? Talk to me. I need to know.” Stevie’s voicewas insistent.
I handed her my phone. It was easier than trying to recap. Besides, I didn’t trust my voice. For some reason, I was caught between disappointment, relief, curiosity, and abject terror.
And for a guy who shied away from feelings in general, that was a lot.
Stevie let out a whistle.
“Meeting the friends? Holy shit. Dude, he likes you. I mean, shit.”
“He’s just being nice because he had to cancel. It’s nothing.”
She slapped my shoulder. “Don’t be an idiot. He’s goofy over you and your big-ass chest. I bet he jerked off thinking about—”
“Stevie!”
She laughed. “Bet he did.”
I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair. “Now what do I do?
“What do you mean?” She sounded like I just asked if the Earth should continue to spin. “You go meet his friends like a normal person.”
“But I’m not—”
“Oh, I know you’re not normal. You’ll have to pretend.” She winked. My goth witch weirdo bestie winked at me. It might’ve been the most horrifying thing I’d ever seen. “Better text back quick or he’llthink you don’t want to go.”
