Page 30 of We Are Just Us

KIERAN: Because he’s just being nice. Neighborly. I’m like 98% certain he’s straight anyway.

EMORY: WHAT STRAIGHT MAN TAKES ANOTHER MAN TO A NUDE BEACH??

KIERAN: Rory. He’s like that. Totally carefree. Probably thinks this is normal bonding.

EMORY: babe. BABE. no straight man does this

KIERAN: You don’t know him. He’s very San Diego.

EMORY: “very San Diego” is not a sexuality

KIERAN: You know what I mean. Chill. Easygoing. Doesn’t overthink things like normal people.

EMORY: or he’s into you and you’re being oblivious

KIERAN: I’m not being oblivious I’m being REALISTIC

EMORY: OH. So this is a test! What are you gonna do with it?

Kieran stared at the road ahead.

KIERAN: Probably cry. Or faint from heat exhaustion. Make up ridiculous scenarios in my head?

A message came in rapid fire.

EMORY: THE ONLY TEARS YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR EYES ARE FROM GAGGING WHEN YOU GIVE HIM HEAD.

Kieran clapped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing.

KIERAN: 911

EMORY: Do it, pretty sure dick sucking is legal in this state

KIERAN: EMORY!

EMORY: He could’ve at least given you a heads up so you could’ve manscaped a little

Kieran’s whole face went hot.

KIERAN: block me

EMORY: If you’re a full chia pet down there just tell him you’re “keeping it organic” and refuse to elaborate ;)

“You good?” Rory asked.

Kieran nodded too fast. “Yeah. Totally.”

The truck rolled on toward the cliffs, the ocean opening wide and exposed ahead of them.

Kieran leaned back in his seat—don’t freak out.

Somewhere, Emory was already designing the throw pillow.

TEN

“Istill think this is some kind of elaborate prank,” Kieran muttered as they reached the top of the trailhead above Black’s Beach.

Rory shaded his eyes and looked out over the cliff. “You say that like I’d commit to a thirty-minute drive and a steep descent just to mess with you.”