“Er—Mr. Merlin.”
“Even if you come to my house?” Alan protested.
“What? Oh, no. I mean—Bowen. Outside of school you can call me Bowen.”
“And Alan?” Felix said. “I know I don’t have to tell you, but for Bowen’s sake, since he’s a new teacher, let’s be discreet for a bit.”
Alan nodded.
“Are you sure this is all right?” I asked him again.
“Yeah. I mean, this would suck if I hated you,” Alan replied, flashing a quick smile. “But I don’t. So… it’s fine. Kind of weird, but whatever. You’re really red, though.”
I snorted and tugged at my bow tie. “Yes, I know.”
Felix did his best not to laugh. He put a hand on Alan’s shoulder and began steering him to the door. “Let’s get going, before we’re late for your appointment.” He looked over his shoulder at me. “Bye, Bo.”
“Bye.”
That… went better than I’d honestly expected.
THE TELEVISIONmurmured on a low volume as I sat on my knees in the living room, digging through the last boxes of unpacked junk. After I’d gotten home, eaten dinner, and done a load of laundry, I discovered a tear in one of my favorite vests. This led to me hunting for my sewing kit. I pulled it from the bottom of the last box I’d checked—naturally—and opened it.
A piece of paper fell out as I dug for a spool of black thread. I paused, snatched it, unfolded, and read a note in Scarlet’s distinct, chicken-scratch handwriting.
Hey Boy—
Remember that time your crotch ripped?
Scarlet
I smiled, despite that grudge I was supposed to be holding. She was just trying to look out for me, in her own boorish way. No guy, even Felix, could put our friendship in jeopardy.
I grabbed my cell beside me and sent her a quick text.
Mad at me?
My phone sang back almost immediately.
Not unless you’re mad at me.
I’m not.
Just be careful. Ok?
I will.
Love you, Boy.
Love you too, Girl.
Scarlet was probably out bar-hopping as I sat cross-legged on the floor, mending my vest with less-than-stellar sewing skills. Typically I’d have been a little jealous of her going on the manhunt without me. But….
I had a boyfriend now.
“Fuckin’ A,” I murmured to myself.
My phone rang, and I poked my finger with the needle.
