“Thanks for worrying about me, though,” I muster. “It’s kinda nice to know there’s someone out there who gives a shit. So thanks.”
“Anytime. It’s my mission in life, to give a shit.”
I smile.
He smiles.
“Well, Bright Side, I’m gonna let you go for tonight. It’s been awesome, possum.”
“Always. And likewise.”
“I love you, Bright Side.”
“Love you, too, Gus.”
“Good night.”
“Good night.”
I shut down my laptop and head across the hall. The door’s been left open for me so I walk right in.
“Sorry if that was weird, but thanks. Gus was a little freaked out about me sleeping in your room so I wanted him to meet you guys so he’d get off my ass about it.”
Clayton is lying on his bed fanning himself with a magazine. His cheeks are still red. “Katherine, why didn’t you tell me you’re dating Adonis?”
“He’s pretty cute, huh, Clayton?”
“Cute? He’s magnificent.”
“He’s not my boyfriend. He’s my best friend.”
Pete pipes up, “Why did he say ‘take care of my girl’ then?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know, Pete. He always calls me that; it’s like a term of endearment.”
Clayton raises his eyebrows and wiggles them. “It certainly is. Listen, I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you, but you are batshit crazy if you let that one get away.”
“Batshit crazy?”
He nods. “Bat. Shit. Crazy.”
Sunday, September 4
(Kate)
I text Maddie and hope she isn’t pissed at me anymore. I’m worried about her and I let her know.
She never replies.
I guess she’s still pissed.
I’ll give her some more time and try again later.
Monday, September 5
(Kate)
Clayton’s waiting outside the cafeteria for me at 7:30pm as planned. I just got off work and I’m running late as usual. He loops his arm through my elbow as we walk through the door. “Katherine, have I told you lately how much I love you?”
I eye him suspiciously. “No ... What’s up?”
He lowers his voice to a whisper. “I found a club in Minneapolis that has an under 21 night.”
I rub my hands together. “Sweet! When are we going?”
He grimaces, but tries to look hopeful. “Tonight?”
I shrug. “Okay, what time do we leave?”
He stops and spins me to face him. “Do you mean it?”
“Well, yeah. I told you I’d go with you, didn’t I?”
He pulls me into the tightest hug and lifts me slightly off the ground. I honestly didn’t think he had the strength. I don’t think either one of us breaks 100 pounds. “Oh Katherine, I really do love you. You’re the best.”
“Oh, Clay. Hey, do you mind if my friend Shelly comes?”
He claps his hands. “The more the merrier.”
I call Shelly while Clayton and I are eating.
“Hey dude.” She sounds sarcastic, but I think she secretly loves using the word. I’ll convert her yet.
“You doing anything tonight?”
“No, why?”
“Good. My friend Clayton and I are going dancing and you’re coming with us.”
“You want me to go dancing?”
“Yup.”
“I’m not really in the mood for a pretend rave in Clayton’s dorm room.”
“No, we’re going out, like to a real club.”
“Where?”
“A place called Spectacle. It’s in Minneapolis.”
“Kate, that’s a g*y club.”
“Yeah, I know.” It’s quiet so long I think she’s fallen asleep or set the phone down and walked away. “Shelly?”
“It’s a g*y club.” She repeats.
“Yeah?” And?
“We’re straight, Kate.”
“I’m aware.”
Silence.
“They don’t bar vaginas at the door, Shelly. It’ll be fun. Come on. Please?”
“I don’t know.” I can hear it in her voice, she’s about to give in.
“Shelly, your inner dancing queen is planning an all-out revolution if you say no. I don’t want that kind of drama for you. We’re picking you up at nine-thirty.”
“Oh hell,” I can hear her eyes roll through the phone. But then, with a huff, she gives in. “Okay.”
Back at the dorms I spend more than an hour lying on Clay’s bed watching him try on outfits. He’s more anxious than I’ve ever seen him.
“Put the gray pants on again.” I need to help him out or we’ll never get out of here. He’s worse than Gus.
With the gray pants on, he twirls in a circle.
“Wear those. Your ass looks great.”
He smiles and agrees, “I do have a nice backside.”
“Damn right you do,” I say. I roll off the bed and head toward my room. “Speaking of hot pants, I need to go change, too.”
“What are you wearing?” he asks as he pulls a new shirt over his head.
“Oh, I don’t know, probably just my black jeans.”
He gasps. “Jeans? You’re wearing jeans? Don’t you have a minidress or something?”