I wished I knew the answer. My gut said no, but I’d been wrong before. William seemed friendly
with Theron, and he knew bits and pieces of my backstory. If Theron was worthy in his eyes, it would
go a long way to easing my mind.
Sammy1995: You’re a genius.
Maverick0808: This isn’t news.
Sammy1995: Dick.
Maverick0808: Yep. But you love me.
Sammy1995: Truth. If only you were closer…
Maverick0808: Yeah, as if that’s the only reason we’d never work. TTYL, time for work.
I closed my laptop and thought about how I could approach William without an inquisition. Either
way, nothing was going to be accomplished tonight. I kicked back in my bed and put on my
headphones. I seriously needed to get out of this place because even noise cancelling headphones
couldn’t block the incessant noise around me.
* * *
It was pretty sad that the nights I slept on the couch at work, I was able to pay attention in my classes,
but the nights I slept in a proper bed, I struggled to keep my eyes open. I couldn’t even focus enough
to count how many days were left until our lease was up. I’d rented the room because it was cheap,
but I was starting to see the benefit of less money in savings in exchange for a place of my own. It
might only be a studio apartment with a kitchenette, but it would be mine—no roommates.
Two minutes before the end of class, I started quietly packing away my notebook, pens, and
laptop. If I hurried, I might be able to get to the bar before Corey. I hadn’t missed the fact that William
had been coming in early on the days Corey worked, and I was hoping to use that to my advantage
today. Once we opened, there was no way I’d take time when I was supposed to be working to talk to
William about my personal life.
On the short drive from campus to work, I rehearsed what I wanted to say. Talking about myself
made me uncomfortable, even when I knew the other person wouldn’t be shocked by anything I had to
say. William definitely fell into that category, but the stakes felt higher than usual.
The back parking lot was empty when I arrived. It was strange to not see Jack’s car in his spot,
but I was happy for him. He was scaling back how much he was here so he could get to know his boy.
I slumped back in my seat, giving myself five minutes to feel bad for myself. It was bad enough to
