He kisses me again, quicker this time, braver, like he's practicing something he wants to get good at.
"Friday?" he says.
"Friday."
"Goodnight, Silas."
"Goodnight, Dev."
He punches in the code, disappears inside. I wait until a light comes on in the third-floor window. My phone buzzes:
Made it. Thank you for the best birthday I've ever had.
Then, a moment later:
Also I finished chapter 12 three days ago and didn't tell you because I wanted to have something to talk about on our date.
I stare at that message and laugh out loud in the parking lot of a youth shelter at midnight on a Thursday.
You held back a chapter 12 reaction for strategic dating purposes when you didn't even know if I'd say yes?
I have layers.
Clearly. Goodnight, Devin.
Goodnight. :)
The smiley face. Always the smiley face.
I ride home through empty streets, the October air cold on my face, and my lion purrs the whole way. Not a roar. Not a claim. Just a constant, steady warmth that says: this one.
Friday. I have a date on Friday with a twenty-one-year-old who lives in a shelter and loves books and held back his chapter 12 reaction because he wanted something to talk about at dinner.
I can work with that.
Chapter 9
Devin
Friday morning. Tyler's bed is empty.
His text from 2 AM:Staying at Melissa's! She has a QUEEN SIZE BED. And her brother is hot too??? Maybe I'll date them both! Living my best bi life! Hope your night was good!
I text back:Glad you're having fun. Be safe.
Dev did you GET SOME???
Going to do laundry now.
That's not an answer!!!
That's the only answer you're getting.
DEVIN GOT SOME!!!!
I turn off my phone before he can send more capslock excitement.
The shelter's laundry room is in the basement. Four ancient washers, three working dryers, and a booking sheet that people fight over constantly. Friday mornings are usually quiet. Most people are at work or school or sleeping off Thursday night.