Finn
“Henrik,”Isaidina low voice when we entered the community center. He joined my side without a question, moving closer when he saw the serious look on my face. “Can I use my mystery whatever favor on you?”
He nodded, looking a little surprised. “Of course. What’s up?”
“Uh…” I stuffed my hands in my pockets. My gaze strayed to Naomi for a second. She was at the front desk, talking with a familiar-looking girl who sat behind the desk. I had a minute or two before we figured out where we’d be heading for the afternoon.
“I could use your help and advice with some stuff…personal stuff.”
He made a low, intrigued hum. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy to help but…can I ask why you’re coming to me?”
I blinked. “Um…I don’t know. Naomi said that thing about you being straightforward. I can see that. Kind of remember that about you. I think it’s part of the reason we’re friends.”
It took everything in me to not wince at my lie. I’m not sure why I said it. I wanted to reference whatever camaraderie we had in the past. There had to have been something we bonded over.
Henrik raised a brow, looking like he wanted to laugh. “Interesting. Very interesting.”
My shoulders sagged because it sounded like he didn’t believe me for a second. “What do you mean?”
He paused for a beat, studying me as if he was waiting for a punch line. Since I didn’t have one, he seemed more than willing to deliver. “Finn, you’ve never asked me for advice in all the years I’ve known you. You don’t trust me enough.”
My forehead wrinkled. “Are you serious? Or just fucking with me? I can’t tell these days.”
“I’m not fucking with you,” he said.
“So…are we even friends…or…?”
Henrik frowned, offended now. “Of course, we’re friends, Finn.”
“Then why don’t I trust you?”
“It’s complicated.” He shrugged. Before he could explain, Lincoln started over to the front desk. Sam urged us to watch the impending train wreck.
“Look, I’ll explain later. What do you need from me?” Henrik asked.
I hesitated a bit before whispering, “I need to practice a confession in front of you. And you need to give me…notes on my delivery techniques. No bullshit feedback.”
Henrik looked confused. I needed the help of someone who was going to be honest, non-judgmental, and discreet about my situation. Lincoln would joke about the whole thing before he announced it to everyone who’d listen. Sam would question me until the end of time about why I kept this secret from them in the first place. I needed a more neutral, approachable party. Henrik was semi-neutral and hands down the most approachable.
“Like, a speech?” Henrik asked, trying to make sense of my strange request.
“Yeah, like a speech.” I nodded.
“Cool. I’m down. Let me know when you’re ready and I’m all ears.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, buddy. I appreciate it.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, of course. Happy to help.”
“Everything good?” Sam whispered when we rejoined his side.
“Great.” I offered him a curt nod.
He studied me for a second. “Perfect. By the way, are you ready to give up your phone next weekend? My contact’s finally in town.”
“Right.” I nodded, remembering our deal. “I have a few messages to send and then, it’s all yours.”
“Exactly what I wanted to hear.” He smiled and then nudged his chin in Lincoln’s direction. “Check this guy out. Haven’t seen him this bent out of shape in ages. Must be some girl.”
