Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
We stood to stretch our legs, then made our way to the concession area to wait for Bailey to change. I was glad to be away from the strong smell of chlorine, even if it did remind me of a certain someone I’d made out with two years before.
Mom hugged Alex’s mom, and they chattered away just as the fathers did. By now, our families knew each other well, and I couldn’t get over how much Zoey had grown as we talked about high school and teachers I still remembered, some who’d given me a hard time.
By the time Alex and Bailey came out freshly showered, I was ready to get the hell out of there, but I didn’t want to be rude.
“We’re headed across to the Mexican place on the beach,” Mrs. Larsen said.
“Sounds good. I’m starving,” Alex replied, his eyes still a bit red from the water.
“You always are,” Zoey pointed out, and we all laughed, knowing how much these guys could pack away.
“Join us?” Mrs. Larsen asked. When everyone agreed, it felt like old times, yet not, as we all headed out the door.
Bailey only grunted when I congratulated him on the walk over, though I could spot the flush on his cheeks. Likely, he was surprised I’d shown at all.
We snagged a long table in the middle of the restaurant and chowed down on the chips and salsa while waiting for our food. As I listened to the different conversations, it felt almost normal, which helped settle my stomach. Of course, Bailey was directly beside Dad at the other end so they could dissect every single event and Dad could offer pointers like he always did.
“I bet the boys are glad to have you on campus,” Mr. Larsen said to me across the table, nudging his wife, who was sure to be more concerned about Alex’s safety.
“Eh, they’re pretty self-sufficient and busy, obviously,” I replied. I felt Alex’s foot nudge me under the table, either to remind me to keep it cool or light or whatever. “But they’re free to call on me if they ever need me.”
Alex’s smile was a bit sad, both of us knowing full well Bailey would never reach out, and when he kept his foot beside mine, as if in solidarity, my stomach dipped. I could feel the heat from his skin, which was probably my imagination.
“I hear you’re working at a tattoo parlor,” Mrs. Larsen said as her gaze roved over the ink on my arm.
“Yes. At Indelible Ink,” I replied, and I could feel Dad watching me. “It helps pay the rent and might help me decide what to do with my art degree.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Mom said, and I nodded while crunching on a chip.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some of your stuff,” Alex said. “Does the art department have student displays or anything like that?”
My heart constricted. He’d always been so supportive.
“There’s an entire exhibit I have to finish for a grade, but not until the spring.” I bit my lip, thinking about some of the concepts I’d have to get started on soon. “Pretty nerve-racking.”
I went on to explain how the teaching staff would be judging my work, and then we moved on to Bailey’s and Alex’s freshman classes and how they were faring.
By the time we left the restaurant, it was late and everyone looked tired, most of all Alex and Bailey, which made sense. I walked them back to their dorm with our parents, and it was the first time I was able to see their room. Obviously, there wasn’t much to it because the dorm spaces were small and cramped. But at least it gave me a snapshot of how Alex lived. His bed was neatly made, with a poster of Greg Louganis, the famous gay swimmer, on one wall and textbooks and folders everywhere on the floor below. He seemed embarrassed by the mess as he bent over and tried to make a nice pile, but it could’ve been much worse.
On the other side of the room, Michael Phelps was represented by Bailey’s poster, which he’d brought from home and was a bit worse for wear. Still, it was cool for them to have athletes in their sport they admired and looked up to. I had artists I revered as well, though most people likely wouldn’t know them by name.
Alex’s cheeks were flushed the whole time we crowded in the small room and shuffled around each other for space. I said my goodbyes first to alleviate the tension. My heart quaked unsteadily the entire walk back to my place, wondering exactly how this year might pan out.
6
Alex
I threw away the remnants of my lunch and waved goodbye to Bailey. He was standing at the women’s swim team table, shamelessly flirting with Danica, whom he’d begun seeking out more. No doubt it was obvious to everyone how sweet he was on her, so I was surprised he hadn’t already asked her out. By now, I knew his pattern well.