“All right, all right. You got a Sharpie?”
***
Bowie asks me to meet them in the computer lab after school.
“What’s up?”
“Look at this.” Bowie waves at their screen. They’ve got a bunch of browser tabs open, for different caterers in town. “For the Winter Banquet.”
I scrunch up my face. The GSA does a Winter Banquet every February, which is supposed to celebrate queer friendship and platonic relationships at a time of the year when most people are focused on romance.
Which is funny, given how many people have (allegedly) hooked up at the banquet.
“Shouldn’t someone from the GSA be helping? Where’s Braden, anyway? Isn’t he banquet chair?”
“Tennis practice.”
“Cheyenne?”
“College visit.”
“You shouldn’t have to do the work of three people.”
Bowie rolls their eyes. “You’re one to talk.”
Uncalled for. Though they’re not wrong, I suppose.
“So what do you need?”
“I’ve got to find somewhere with gluten-free, vegan, and onion-free options.”
“Onion-free?” My stomach sinks like I’ve swallowed a sandbag.
Bowie’s lips curl, but they nod.
“Braden made an overture to Cam and Philip.”
“Gross.”
“They’re the most popular queer couple in school. He figured if people knew they were coming, they’d want to come too.”
“Super gross.”
Bowie shrugs. “If it raises more money...”
“Yeah, yeah.” I sigh. “Fine. What’ve you got?”
Bowie gives me a bemused grin. They’ve got orange eye shadow on today, a vibrant shade that matches their brand-new UT hoodie. Because after talking to the recruiter more, they’ve decided to apply early decision.
For real.
I look over the options on-screen, pushing away the knot of dread in my stomach. How many more afternoons will we have like this—just the two of us, hanging out, plotting how to not poison Cam with onions?
I don’t want to think about it.
Jasmine’s leaving. Liam’s leaving.Mom left long ago.
I don’t know how much change I can handle.
