Page 85 of Pride High

Cameron nodded, as if this confirmed his suspicions. “I never had anyone to commiserate with. It’s not as bad now, but when I was younger, it was hard not having someone close to my age.For all of it. Pillow forts aren’t as fun when you’re the only one inside.”

“True,” Anthony said, “but at least you didn’t have to wear your brothers’ old clothes when growing up or get teased by them so much that it made you cry. I also get compared to them a lot by teachers and coaches. My brothers are both big manly men. The rest of the family—especially our relatives—keep expecting me to turn out the same. I hate it.”

“I guess there are pros and cons either way,” Cameron said. “Although when you come out, your parents can still hope for grandchildren. Assuming your brothers are straight. Without any siblings, I’m the end of the bloodline.”

“Huh. I guess so. You could always adopt.”

“Yeah. I’ve thought of that. Do you want kids?”

Anthony snorted. “Growing up as an only child must do strange things to you. Teenagers don’t ask each other if they want to have kids. Not unless there’s an unplanned accident. You’ve been around adults way too much.”

Cameron laughed. “Maybe I have.”

“You dress like a grown-up too,” Anthony said in teasing tones.

“Uh-huh. And what doyoudress like?”

“A freak,” he replied proudly.

“It suits you,” Cameron said, his gaze moving over Anthony. “You look great.”

“Thanks. I like your style too. Really,” he added when Cameron appeared doubtful. He had a certain maturity that Anthony found lacking in himself. “You’ve got class. If I tried to wear what you have on, I’d look like a dweeb.”

They continued talking as they reached the downtown area. Cameron seemed to have a destination in mind, so Anthony let him lead the way. They stopped in front of a business that had shiny film covering the windows to keep out daylight.

“Turing’s Arcade!” Anthony exclaimed. “I haven’t been here in years.” It used to be a frequent stop for him and Omar when they were younger, although these days, they tended to stay at home to play Nintendo. Mostly because it didn’t cost another quarter each time they died.

“You mentioned liking the arcade at the bowling alley,” Cameron explained. “What do you think?”

“I love it,” Anthony said with a grin that got bigger when Cameron held open the door for him. It was a risk and they both knew it, but that only made the gesture more meaningful.

They entered a dark world filled with blinking lights and electronic buzzes. The various arcade cabinets competed loudly for attention, which resulted in the kind of sensory overload that he found oddly enjoyable. Cameron led them to one of the machines that dispensed tokens and fed a twenty-dollar bill into the slot.

“Big spender!” Anthony said as a shower of golden coins filled the basin.

“Grab as many as you can,” Cameron said, already stuffing his pockets.

Anthony was tighter on cash, but he contributed ten bucks. Then they began wandering the aisles, stopping to play anything that caught their eye. Cameron seemed more interested in the carnival-style games that rewarded you with tickets. He shot a few hoops with a surprising amount of skill, Anthony shaking his head when offered the basketball. Cameron was even better at Skee-Ball, hitting the bulls-eye almost every other time.

“Wow,” Anthony said while playing at the neighboring lane. “I thought you were preppy, but now I’m thinking you’re a jock.”

“I defy definition,” Cameron retorted. “How are you doing over there, gutter-ball boy?”

“Terrible,” Anthony admitted. “I’m better off giving you my tokens.”

“You should, because I’m determined to win you something special from the prize counter.”

How hokey! How predictable! How sweet!

Anthony was super into it. His stomach had settled down long ago, he realized, only grumbling now with hunger. He ignored this, too impressed by the pile of tickets gathering at Cameron’s feet. He happily donated his tickets to the cause, standing back to watch, his attention on his date’s body more than the game. Cameron had rounded shoulders that Anthony could imagine leaning his head on. He reminded him of the guys on the high school wrestling team. Maybe not as beefy, but there wasn’t much empty air in that shirt, making him wonder what he’d look like without it. And when Cameron turned around and smiled after getting three bulls-eyes in a row, revealing dimplesin his cheeks… Anthony definitely felt his appetite kicking in!

When they eventually went to the ticket counter, it didn’t take long for his date to point out the prize he was after: a cute little stuffed pig.

“He’s pink, like just you,” Cameron murmured affectionately. “And I know he’ll have a good home, because you won’t eat him.”

“He’ll always make me think of you,” Anthony said before realizing it wasn’t much of a compliment.

Cameron grinned anyway.

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