People really don’t all feel that way?
CHAPTER
NINE
Axel
Tonight was a big F.
I fling myself onto my bed. I’m bored out of my mind, and it’s not even ten o’clock.
Maybe I should have given Enzo my details and seen what he was so desperate to talk about.
Everyone says that hockey schedules are brutal, but I super wish that I had a game tonight.
I open the WhatsApp group chat.
ME: Anyone want to watch the new fantasy series? I’m in Room 624.
FINN: Nerd.
NOAH: He’s teasing you. We’re busy. ;)
FINN: [Egg plant emoji.]
TROY: Wrong text thread, Finn. Sorry, bro. I don’t feel like getting a headache tonight.
ME: I’ll explain everything!
TROY: That’s what I mean.
Fuck.
I stare at my phone.
I get a series of people teasing me for having the taste of a nerdy fourteen-year-old and I try not to take it personally.
I can watch it by myself.
It’s cool.
The doorbell rings, and I jump off the bed eagerly.
I won’t be alone after all. Someone is here.
I peek through the peephole, and it’s… Enzo.
I stiffen.
I could just not open the door.
But maybe he wants to watch something with me. I smile. I-I guess we could do that. My chest flutters like I’m nervous, and my throat goes dry. I’m probably dehydrated from the bar.
Hydration is important, and whiskey doesn’t count.
I swing open the door. “Hi Enzo.”
And then I see there’s someone holding his hand.
