“I’m still asking myself that,” he replies, and we laugh.
“Well, my parents moved here when I was ten.My dad was born in Seattle—spent most of his life here before moving to Florida, where he met my mom.”I pause, shrugging slightly.“I went to high school here, and they figured it’d be best if I stayed for college too.Familiar city, close to home.I’m an only child, so the idea of me going out of state to some ‘strange place’ made them panic.”
I let out a soft laugh, but it doesn’t quite reach my eyes.
“Honestly?Part of it’s also because they want to keep an eye on me.On my life choices.God, that’s just depressing.”
It’s not like I’m complaining.I never really planned on leaving Seattle anytime soon.I didn’t care much about colleges, as long as they offered a good education.
“That’s crazy, I guess.I’m not an only child, but I’ve always wanted to leave New York and move across the state.Part of this educational journey is me trying to explore.”
“Seen anything fascinating yet?”I ask.
“I guess,” Landon smirks.
“Landon, you are such a bad friend,” a girl says as she drops into the seat beside him.
She’s gorgeous—dark brown skin, long curls, effortless confidence.
“I’m sorry, Nat,” Landon says, looking onlymildlysorry.“I thought you weren’t coming to school today.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I stay quiet, not wanting to interrupt.
“You were drunk last night,” he says.“Passed out cold.I figured you’d be too hungover to function.”
Nat rolls her eyes and finally turns to look at me.I give her a polite smile.
She tilts her head at Landon, giving him a look that clearly meansis he your date?
Landon groans.“No, you slut.We’re not dating.We met in our first class together.Plus, he’s straight.”
I blink.My pulse stumbles.
“No, I’m not… I’m not really straight,” I mumble, biting my bottom lip.
Landon’s eyes snap to me, wide with surprise.
Awesome.I just came out to a total stranger—who happens to be gay—by correcting a label I hadn’t even figured out how to own yet.
I don’t know why I outed myself, but it feels good to say that to someone for the first time.
“You’re not?”Landon asks.
“Yeah,” I mumble, and he smiles.
“I’m Natalie, by the way.But call me Nat.This nut job here is my best friend.”She gestures to Landon.
“Nice to meet you,” I say, smiling at her.“I’m Cameron.”
“Nice name for a good-looking guy,” Nat adds.
“Thanks.”
Landon still looks like he’s in shock as he smirks at me.I chuckle slightly.
“You still look shocked?”I ask Landon.
