Once we’re outside, the music marginally quieter, I repeat, “The fuck.”
“I think Big C aced a test. So they’re celebrating.”
“Big C?” I ask with some incredulity, the two of us setting off toward campus. “Do you mean Camden?”
“He’s trying somethingnew.”
“Yeah… I’m not calling him that. It sounds like some sort of euphemism for an overgrown rooster, if you know what I mean.”
Todd huffs a laugh, typing away on his phone’s keypad. Probably letting Lumi know we’re on the way. “You say that as if you actually speak to our housemates.”
“Hey, I talk to them. Sometimes.”
“Asking them to turn the music down doesn’t count.”
I open my mouth to argue but find that I can’t.
Todd laughs again. “How does it feel being so close to retirement?”
It takes me a second, but then I’m punching my friend on the shoulder. “I’m notold, you dick.”
“You kinda are.”
“I’m only a year older than you guys. That’s nothing.”
“It’s a mentality, bae.”
Todd dances away from my second punch, nearly running into someone who stops to stare at him.
“It’s called beingmature,” I defend. “And I’m not sure I like you very much.”
“You do, unfortunately.”
“Unfortunately,” I agree around a sigh.
We stop for Chinese food on the way to Lumi’s dorm, the air brisk during our walk. Todd fills me in on his research project, not a lick of it making any sense to me. But I nod along, trying not to let my mind wander too far down paths of tattooed hands and a surprisingly bold tongue. Nor a certain upcoming lunch date that has nerves rolling around in my stomach like cotton balls in a dryer.
So what if Trevor caught me staring at his thick arms or his wide shoulders or his stupidly full mouth? I was only being an attentive listener.
“Are you even listening to me?” Todd asks, stopping outside Lumi’s door.
“Um… Yes?”
“Really? Because I just told you aliens took my V-card, and you didn’t even blink.”
Two girls passing in the hall start whispering furtively. I let out a sigh as one turns back around, eyes set on Todd.
“It’s not available,” I tell her. “The card. Aliens have a better chance.”
Todd pointedly clears his throat. “I can speak for myself, you know.”
Wincing, I wave him on. “Sorry.”
My friend faces the hopeful-looking girl. “Yeah, no. Not interested. Have a nice…life.”
The girl hastens to catch up with her friend, and Todd knocks on Lumi’s door.
“What’s taking so long?” he grumbles.
