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“Still, a blow job is a blow job, and you’re getting fucking good at them.”
“Thanks, man,” I said, staring at the ceiling, my hands folded over my chest.
With both of us in that position, Austin asked, “Hay, Dalt?”
“Yeah, Aus?”
“I, um … I’m not sure … I mean …”
“Aus?”
“Yeah?”
“Dude, are you breaking up with me?”
“Um, it’s just, we’re going to college, and I’m really sorry because I know you’re not keen on playing the field.”
“Keen,” I repeated, tapping my foot lightly on his head.
“Shut up, but that doesn’t mean you might not meet someone. You know, become friends and then something more. I just don’t think … I just think …”
“Austin. It’s okay. We should absolutely break up. This has been fun and all, and I’m really grateful that you were my first, but …”
“We’re best friends, not boyfriends,” Austin said, and I agreed.
“So?” he teased. “No more blow jobs.”
“Austin!” We were quiet again, lying there opposite each other.
“Hey, Aus?”
“Yeah, man?”
“Do you really think I’ll meet someone at school?”
“Yeah, man. I really do. And me? I plan to meet everybody!”
“You do you, dude.” We got up, got dressed, and played video games.
After my embarrassing attempt to seduce him, I worked hard to avoid Turner, spending as much time as possible with Austin during our last semester of high school and that summer, even after we stopped fooling around. He would be headed to Hampstead University in the fall. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like without Austin, but part of me couldn’t wait to get out of Breakwater, because avoiding Turner had started to feel like a full-time job.
Brett and Mallory came to pick me up for the winter break after my first semester of college, staying for a few days to shop and explore the area while I wrapped up my finals. On the road, we stopped at a coffee shop, peppy holiday music blaring as we entered, sparkly snowflakes hanging from the ceiling.
“I really appreciate you guys coming to pick me up.”
Brett looked lovingly at his girlfriend. “Mal loves the drive.”
“And I love it up here,” she added. “It’s been a fun mini-vacation, and now we get your company on the drive back!”
They asked about my first semester, and I excitedly explained some of the science courses I had taken.
“And your social life?” Mallory ventured.
“I’ve made some friends. I talk to Aus a lot. We still game together.”
“Wait, aren’t you two dating?” Brett asked.
“Babe!” Mallory said.
