“You staying for the meeting?”
“Just helping Bowie. I heard Cheyenne was sick.”
“Ah, well.” Braden shrugs, then turns and salutes Bowie. “Our fearless VP will get us through it.”
I’ve got no doubt about that. Bowie should just do a coup at this point.
Over Braden’s shoulder, I spot Liam in the hall, backpackslung over his shoulder. He gives me a little wave.
I wave back.
Braden notices and waves Liam in.
“Hey, bro. You here for the meeting?”
“Just looking for Jackson.”
“Cool.” Braden gives Liam a backhanded pat across the stomach; Liam’s core is so strong he doesn’t even flinch. “You should start coming. All are welcome, you know.”
Liam shrugs, but Braden turns back to me with a dimpled smile and a wink. “You too. You’re not still mad aboutRocky Horror,are you?”
Yes.No.
But Braden doesn’t wait for an answer, just hefts another stack of chairs and gets to work.
Liam waves at Bowie, then signs to me.
“You want a ride home? I don’t have anything today.”
“Oh. Really?”
I’ve never ridden anywhere with Liam before.
Bowie gives me a gentle shove in Liam’s direction. “Go on. Braden and I can finish.”
“You sure?”
“Go, go. You might as well.”
I’ve got about a million reasons that I might as well not.
But as Liam gives me a soft, questioning smile, I can’t manage to think of a single one.
***
Liam’s crappy brown Corolla pulls to a stop in front of my house, its idle engine vibrating my seat so hard I think my insides might liquify.
LIAM’S TOYOTA COROLLA’S BREAKUP LIST:
IT’S THE COLOR OF BROWN PANTS
UGLY BROWN CARGO PANTS WITH PLEATS
HEATER BLOWS SO HARD IT DRIES MY EYES OUT
GLOVE BOX WON’T STAY LATCHED SHUT
IT SMELLS LIKE HIM
