“Oh God,” Gray says.“Who is it this time?”
“Come find out.”
“How do you do this?How do you find these people and drag them here?”
“You keep calling them.It’s not hard.Come on.”
That’s more or less true, for what it’s worth.It’s a few phone calls and some persistence, and yeah, it’s kind of a chore, but it’s worth it to see Gray’s face light up when I introduce him to the dean of Wroxall College, and then to the vice-provost of student life.It’s like winning the jackpot, the look in Gray’s eyes, when he shakes hands with the president of the college.And Gray doesn’t miss a beat.He smiles.He’s charming—like Gran says, he could charm the pants off a preacher—telling everyone who will listen about what WISP can do and how they can help.
Wroxall’s president is moving away, and Gray is still beaming, when Mr.Fields steps up to clap Gray on the shoulder.“Very impressive stuff tonight,” he says.He’s got white hair that looks like somebody fluffed it, like a little show dog, and he’s wearing a blue blazer with brass buttons.“I’m glad I came.”
“Thanks,” Gray says, “but this was all Sam.”
Mr.Fields gives me a considering look, but all he says is “I took the liberty of inviting some friends.Let me introduce you.”
That’s when a girl I don’t know—she came with the college counseling department—appears at my elbow and tells me they need more flyers.
“Go on,” I say when Gray hesitates.“I’ll catch up.”
It doesn’t take long to find more flyers for the informational tables, and then I catch Robin grinding up on this big frat boy behind the photo booth, and somebody breaks a bottle so I’ve got to get a flashlight and help pick up glass.By the time, I’m done, I’ve lost track of Gray, so I make another loop of the party, making sure everything’s in order.
And then I see him, and I stop.
Because he’s talking to Chief Peterson and Mr.Somerset.
They aren’t supposed to be here.That’s my first, clearest thought.And then, less clear, but with a sharper edge: Do they know?
They’re standing on the edge of the party, where the lights barely reach, like they want some privacy.Chief Peterson’s face is hard to read, but Mr.Somerset doesn’t look happy, and he’s saying something, and Gray doesn’t look happy either.Gray’s got his arms folded across his chest, and his jaw is set, and even though Gray and I haven’t had many arguments, I recognize the expression: when he’s done trying to be charming.When a lot of people find out for the first time that there’s bone and gristle under all those freckles.
I can’t even explain it to myself, but I know what they’re talking about.
I start walking toward them.I’m not trying to sneak.I’m not trying to hide.It’s like everything’s part of a movie now, and all anybody can do is play their part.
“—because he’s not gay,” Mr.Somerset says, and he’s angry.It’s in his voice, low and hard.And it’s in his cheeks, hot little red points.
“What the fuck do you know?”Gray says.
“Let’s all calm down,” Chief Peterson says.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”Gray says, trampling the end of Chief Peterson’s words, not even waiting for him to finish.“You should know better than anybody what it’s like.You want to talk about fucking bi erasure, take a look in the fucking mirror.”
“He’s not bi either,” Mr.Somerset says, and it’s like he’s cracking a whip.
“Fuck you,” Gray says.“How the fuck would you know?”
“I know he’s a follower, Gray.That’s his whole thing.He’ll do anything for people to like him.That’s how he’s been from the beginning.”
Chief Peterson says something, but I can’t hear him.
Some of it comes back when Gray’s talking again, and he’s saying, “—some fucking mentor.”
“Grow up, Gray,” Mr.Somerset says.“And do the right thing for once.I get it: he’s sweet, and he’s safe, and he can’t hurt you.But you can hurt him.Do you know anything about him?Do you know anything about his family?About his dad?You are ruining his fucking life, and you don’t care because he likes you and you’re having fun.”
Gray’s whole body seems to lock up.I can’t even tell if he’s breathing.He doesn’t even sound like himself when he says, “Yeah, well, you don’t have to worry about it, because we were just doing it to help each other out.After tonight, it’s over.”
Chief Peterson notices me first.All he says is “Sam.”
Gray pivots.Mr.Somerset’s color drops, and then it’s back again, redder than ever.
