Page 29 of Puck Me Back to Life

“It absolutely is.”

Hayes laughs. “No.”

“Aw, why not?”

“I don't enjoy being frightened.” Hayes sips his drink. A delighted feeling warms my chest as I see him enjoying it. “Why do you care?”

“Horror movies are my version of dead guy books.”

Hayes chuckles. “What's your favorite?”

“The Thing.”

“I've never seen it.”

I shake my head. “This is disappointing.”

“You'll survive.” He rolls his eyes.

I ask another question. Then another. The alcohol makes me nosier than usual. Fortunately, Hayes keeps answering.

Favorite food.

Favorite city.

Favorite book.

Favorite movie.

Eventually I ask, “You got a girlfriend?”

The question seems harmless enough. Hayes nearly chokes on his drink.

“No.”

“No?”

“No.”

I nod thoughtfully. Then ask, “Boyfriend?”

Hayes stares at me.

The look is so suspicious that I burst out laughing. “What?”

His eyes narrow. “I'm evaluating whether that's a serious question.”

“It is.”

The suspicion remains.

I lift my hands. “Relax.” The grin spreads across my face. “I'm gay, Hayes. I'm not conducting an investigation.”

To my surprise, he looks genuinely startled. “Oh.”

The response makes me laugh harder. “That's it?”

“What was I supposed to say?”