“Oh my God,” I growl, running my hands aggressively through my hair.
Does he look like an older version of me or a blond serial killer?
Tristan
The first one.
That’s my dad. Ignore him. And if he talks to you, tell him I’m sick. Also, why are you working?
Tristan
It’s quieter on holidays. I get more done.
I groan and shove my phone in my pocket.
A large crow lands on the ground next to my foot, pecking at a piece of discarded food, and I jump in surprise, more adrenaline flooding my system. It stares at me with its beady black eyes and lets out an indignant caw.
“Fuck this.” I dig my fingers into the cannabis package, fish out another gummy, and pop it in my mouth.
JEREMY
Pretty sure Iaced that meeting. Flash is quite a character with very eccentric tastes, so I think it’ll be a really good portfolio piece. Not to mention the money doesn’t suck.
Marcus is gone when I get home. Since his truck is still here, I assume he’s probably in town or out on the beach. I walk to the window and search for him, but I only see strangers along the sandy expanse. With a shrug, I walk to the couch and flick on the TV, pulling upHeartstopper. It’s my comfort show because it’s how high school should be as a gay boy: full of queer friends, sweet first kisses, and cute rugby players falling for the moody nerd boy.
Nothing like my high school experience, which was all fear and bullies and a constant struggle to just exist.
Honestly, if it hadn’t been for Trey, I’m not sure I would have survived.
I don’t even notice when I doze off until my phone buzzes incessantly, waking me. It’s a text from Marcus.
Well, actually, it’s like the tenth.
Brawny Man
Is your meeting done yet? I’m bored.
Brawny Man
Do you think crows understand English?
Brawny Man
Are you mad at me?
Brawny Man
Are you back yet?
Brawny Man
I’m sorry we didn’t talk this morning.
Brawny Man
I’m just scared. But I really like you and I really like what we did. I want to do more.
Brawny Man
