Page 97 of Pride High

Anthony narrowed his eyes in suspicion, and in a country bumpkin voice, he asked, “What part of Kansas is that?”

Cameron glanced over at him and laughed. “It’s where my parents are from. We moved here just before I started junior high.”

Anthony sighed. “You think you know a person…”

“First the age thing and now this,” Cameron said sympathetically. “What other terrible surprises do I have in store for you today? Oh look…”

Anthony turned his attention to the world outside his window. And he groaned. “Liberty Memorial?”

“Yup,” Cameron said with a cackle. “I’m hoping we’ll run into your friend. I’ve gotta see his legendary meat tower.”

Anthony shook his head. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“I am. About meeting creepy guys in the parking lot. I want to finally have the date I was promised.”

“By another guy.”

“Sure, but he stood me up, and then an even cuter guy refused to talk to me. I’m hoping the third try will be luckier.”

Anthony sighed. “I’ll agree to this, but only because it’s your birthday.” He wasn’t kidding. The previous visit had been so painfully embarrassing that he’d decided to never come back. But as they parked at the memorial and got out, he already saw everything in a new light. He wasn’t nervously trying to make contact with strangers. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and best of all, the handsome guy currently stretching on the other side of the station wagon was his date.

“It’s kind of perfect that you drive a car with wooden panels,” Anthony said with a smirk.

Cameron didn’t find the observation as amusing. “This isnotreal wood. It’s an abomination!”

“Why are there so many ‘for sale’ signs in the back?” Anthony asked as they walked away.

“My mom is a real estate agent. Didn’t you get new homeowner vibes while in the passenger seat?”

“That explains why I kept wondering which school district would be the best for my children.”

They climbed the steps to the memorial. Free from his previous anxiety, Anthony was able to appreciate the green field that stretched all the way to the old Union Station building, a gorgeous view of the city skyline behind it. They took turns pointing out landmarks to each other, using the excuse to stand close. Crown Center, a fancy shopping mall, was to their right. Behind them, when they turned around, were the extensive parks where they’d first met. Cameron suggested they go there next.

Anthony ignored the parking lot along the way, happy when his date did the same. He was clearly more interested in returning to a certain bench. As soon as it was in sight, Anthony said, “Do over!” before sprinting toward it. He sat and watched as Cameron walked in an arc so he could approach from the paved path, like he had the first time.

Anthony pretended to be distracted as he neared.

“Uh… Hey,” Cameron said. “Don’t we go to the same school?”

“I think we do!” he replied. “Aren’t you Cameron Huxley? I’ve had a crush on you for ages.”

“And you’re Anthony Cullen. I used to follow you around on the playground, trying to get up the nerve to pull your hair.”

“It’s not too late,” Anthony said, leaning forward on the bench to make his head more accessible. He sat up straight when he felt a little tug on one of his locks. “This is terribly forward of me,” he said, “but would you like to go on a date?”

“Right now?” Cameron asked, glancing around before he shrugged. “Sure!”

Anthony hopped to his feet with a grin. “That’s how it should have happened.”

“Close enough,” Cameron said. “We got there in the end. Are you hungry yet?”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s take the long way around to Crown Center and eat there. The weather is nice. We won’t get many more days like these.”

He sounded so old when he said stuff like that, but Anthony really did adore him for it. And he was right, he saw as they began walking. The leaves were just starting to change colors, edged with orange, crimson, and gold. Even with the sun shining, Anthony had needed to bring a light nylon jacket—black, without a collar—to keep from getting chilled. His date was wearing a denim jacket, the lovable dweeb.

“Why are you sizing me up?” Cameron asked when noticing his stare.

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