Page 16 of Frat Ghost Wingman

“He’d make a good Tarzan.”

“You’d make a good Tarzan, Zach.”

“Thanks, Teo. I’ll keep that in mind for your next birthday.”

“Well, if not Tarzan, then what? What’s your costume?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, you know, that’s when you keep something secret from someone else so they’re shocked or delighted when it’s finally revealed to them.”

“I know what a surprise is, asshole.”

I wondered what it could be. Last year he went as Flynn Rider from Tangled since he was quite a rabid Disney fan. I wasn’t sure there was a Disney costume that would surprise me, but if Zach wanted to keep it a secret, I wasn’t going to stop him.

It was time he told me the other secret though.

“You bringing a date?” I asked.

“Wh-what?”

“It’s our second year. Last year you said you wanted to focus on your studies. You’re going to ace all your midterms. Isn’t it time to put yourself out there?”

“I-”

“You can tell me anything, Zach.”

“I know.”

I could almost hear the fear in his voice. I wasn’t going to force him, but I really wanted him to know I cared about him, and nothing would ever change that.

I slipped out of bed and made my way across the room. I didn’t even think to put anything on; I was too distracted by the tone of Zach’s voice.

“What are you doing?”

I felt the edge of his bed and sat down on the floor next to him.

“You can say it, Zach.”

The noise Zach squeaked out matched the squirming I could feel resonating through the bed behind my back. It was kind of cute.

“I don’t know why it’s so hard.”

“That’s what he said.” I couldn’t help myself. “Ah!” Zach’s hand slapped my chest. “It’s not going to change anything between us. I’ve known for years, Zach.” It was a little bit of a stretch, put out there to make it easier for him–it had only been recently I suspected–but after saying it, a part of me knew it was true. There were moments, coming back to me.

“You have?” Zach had settled back down. No more weird noises or blanket kicking. “But how?”

“I don’t really know. I’ve just known you long enough to notice, I guess.”

“And you’re okay with it?”

“Of course! More than okay! You’re my best friend. My gay best friend.”

CHAPTER 6

ZACHARY