“I think that’s why we get along so well.”
“Because our parents like us?”
Alexander laughs as he turns his attention to the potato chips. “Kind of. We’re both weirdos, but we’re the lucky kind. We grew up in houses where that was okay.”
I’m not quite sure what point he’s making, but it looks like he needs time to think, so I just rest my hand on his knee. He looks down at my touch, surprised, and a lazy, contented smile fills his face.
“Rafael,” he says quietly.
“Weirdo,” I say quietly back, and we both laugh.
Alexander starts eating the chips. “I just mean that I’m glad your parents made you so good. I’m glad that you don’t let other people tell you who you should be, Rafael. It helps me remember to be myself, too.”
This is all stuff he’s said to me before. I’m not sure if it’s the day or the weed that makes it land differently now, or if hooking up really has changed the dynamic between us. But the words soothe me, and some long-buried emotions stir.
“I love who you are,” I say.
Alexander looks up from the chips to me with a smile. “I love who you are, too.”
My heart is so full it hurts. Alexander sprawls out on the grass, the T-shirt with my illustration hanging loosely off his body. He’s so hot I wish I could make love to him right there, by the river.
A cloud passes, and the light shines down fully again. My hand is still on his knee, and when I rub his leg, the satisfaction of it fills me.
I’m hot, almost overheated. I do love Alexander, and he loves me, too. Everything is slightly foggy from the weed, but one fact is bright and painfully clear.
I’m in love with Alexander.
My mouth is dry. Across from me, my best friend sits, rapidly eating chips, now distracted by the snack in the way I would be, too, if I were high for the first time. His eyes are wide as saucers, and he’s shoving more and more chips into his mouth, then chewing them slowly.
Oh shit. I’m in love with Alexander.
The world spins as I try to process the revelation. Then a shadow falls over us. Alexander’s eyes get wide as he stares behind me. I turn, confused, and a man stands there. He’s got a wide, easy smile on his face and just a touch of gray in his hair.
“Excuse me,” Wilson Cruz says, then shows us his phone. “My battery died, and I’m a little turned around. Can you point me to the convention center?”
Alexander and I look at each other. Alexander sits with his mouth hanging slack, clearly in shock. Our favorite newStar Trekactor is standing right there, talking to us.
Holy shit. I’m in love with Alexander, and Wilson Cruz is asking us for directions.
Alexander eats another potato chip, crunching loudly. I turn back to Wilson Cruz. “It’s that way,” I answer, weakly pointing behind him. “Right down the path.”
He gives us an appreciative smile. “Great, thanks. Enjoy the sunshine, cuties!”
He turns and walks away. “Thank you for being Wilson Cruz!” Alexander yelps after him, and he waves as he turns down the path.
Neither Alexander nor I say anything for a minute. Then Alexander points to my pocket.
“What?” I ask.
“Give me that joint again,” he whispers. “I want to meet Patrick Stewart.”
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
RAFAEL
The first dayI actually work with Caesar at the shop, all I can think about is Alexander.
I’m in love with my best friend. Maybe I always have been? I can’t figure it out, except that the reality dawned on me, high in the park, and it’s pretty much all I’ve been able to think about since.
