“Tell me I’m handsome.”
“You’re handsome.”
“Tell me,” I said, picking up a slice of pizza and curling my lips, “that I’m the most handsome man ever.”
“You’re not a man, you’re annoying.”
Yeah, I was only eighteen, and didn’t feel like a real grown up most of the time. But. “I’m a man. Legally.” I looked down at my body. “Physically.” Despite hoping I’d grow another few inches so I’d be taller than Taylor, puberty was done with me.
Taylor sighed. “You’re the most handsome man ever, Archie.”
“And I’m smart and cool.”
“You’re smart and cool.”
“I wish I was you.”
“I wish I was you.”
“Every night in high school, I prayed before bed wishing to god, the universe, to whoever’s up there, please make me as awesome as Archie.”
“Every night in high school, before bed I prayed, please make me — this is stupid. Are you really going to make me do this?”
“We’re just getting started. Say, I think you’re so hot, Archie.”
“I think you’re so hot, Archie,” he said flatly.
“I like you so much.”
“I — like — you — so — much.” He sounded physically pained as he forced each word out.
“Say, I love you Archie.”
Taylor blinked. Had he not heard me?
I repeated it for him. “Say, I love you, Archie. I lurrrve you. I dream of marrying you and becoming Mr Taylor Hayes —”
“Fuck off.” He was scowling now, properly scowling. He shoved his plate away and crossed his arms, turning so he was looking out the window.
“Come on, say it,” I said. “You’re my slave, so —”
“No.” He snapped, and something flickered in his eyes, too fast for me to read. His face flattened into something cold and blank. “Safeword.”
I put my hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll drop it.” If Taylor’s pride couldn’t take it, I wasn’t going to push.
We sat in silence as I finished off the last piece of pizza, but then I heard a rapping noise. I surreptitiously glanced under the table, pretending I’d dropped a napkin, and saw Taylor’s right foot tapping rapidly against the floor.
“How about dessert?” I asked, when I was upright again, picking up the menu.
“Let’s just go,” Taylor said. “I’m full. And —” he glanced outside. “It’s getting dark anyway.”
The sun was still out, but it was lowering behind some skyscrapers, the sky turning orange and purple. It’d be dusk by the time we returned to campus. I thought about teasing him, but I didn’t want to risk him biting my head off. Or worse, making him so annoyed at me, that he’d safe word the rest of the night and I’d be left in bed, alone, with blue balls.
“Okay — ”
The word was barely out of my mouth before Taylor stood up and speed-walked to the counter, wallet out.
CHAPTER TEN
