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“Hope it goes both ways.”
Did he mean because of his family situation? He’d already made it clear he didn’t care if people knew he was gay.
“Yeah, of course.” When I smiled, Lark seemed relieved. “Guess we should get back to work.”
7
LARK
I exitedthe bus and walked the block to the university’s entrance, still reeling that Henry had admitted in his own way that he was gay. I’d often wondered over the years if that goodbye kiss freaked him out. He certainly didn’t act grossed out at the time, only shocked and sort of shy afterward. Now I wondered if he knew even back then. Likely not a conversation we’d ever have, but maybe his desire for us to be friendly was real.
I didn’t think Henry would tell his friends about our conversation and my family’s money issues because then he’d have to admit to talking to me. Not that they couldn’t figure it out themselves. Some days I still felt I stuck out like a sore thumb. After all, my clothes, book bag, and supplies weren’t sparkling new. Even my laptop was a hand-me-down and barely functional. Thankfully, the school had free Wi-Fi.
For some reason, I trusted that Henry would stop acting like he didn’t know me. He seemed sincere. How that would translate at school, I didn’t know, and that probably accounted for my unsteady stomach as I walked toward the main building, waiting for the bell.
I was way more comfortable around the dance students, though I suspected some still saw me as the scholarship kid, even if they never uttered it aloud. Being gay wasn’t a problem in the program either. Not like the class differences might be. I almost felt like I had to prove myself to the others, that I had every right to be there.
Emil was standing under a tree with another student and waved me over.
“This is Lark,” he introduced me. “Lark, this is Jonah. He’s in band with me.”
I gave him a wave. “Nice to meet you.”
I listened as they discussed their practice schedule and the upcoming football game. “The band practiced on the same field as the team in high school too.”
“It’s only a couple of days a week.” Jonah threw Emil a look.
“What?” I asked, glancing between them.
“Most of the players and staff are nice, but some act like they’re God’s gift.”
That made sense. To be honest, a couple of the older dance students acted that way too. Snooty and arrogant. Pretty sure they wouldn’t give football players the time of day.
“That doesn’t surprise me.” I smirked. “Henry too?”
“Henry?” Jonah asked. “Do you mean—”
“Henners,” Emil responded, then looked at me. “I thought you knew him.”
“That was a long time ago. Back then he was really nice.”
“He’s still nice, but quiet,” Emil replied. “Not cocky, but confident—as a quarterback should be.”
“Team captain too,” Jonah confirmed. “I can tell the other players respect him even though they all give each other shit.”
Interesting. Maybe that was the other reason he didn’t want to lose their respect. Though I didn’t know why I cared so much. I’d chalk it up to curiosity.
Jonah glanced at his phone. “We have to get to class early, remember?”
“We have a project to turn in,” Emil explained as they waved, then strode toward the building.
Left to my own devices, I took my time inching toward the student center. I could’ve also gone into class early, but it felt too nice in the cool morning air. That was probably why most students stayed outside. Winter would be a whole other thing.
In my side view, I saw Henry approach me. Looking behind him, I didn’t spot any of his teammates around, so that must’ve been the reason.
“Good morning,” he said with a smile.
“Oh, is this the first day of our new friendly status?” I teased.
