10. Austin

10

AUSTIN

When my cell pings with a text from Dex the next night, I'm confused.

Are you named after anyone in your family? he asks.

O…kay, I'll play along. No. How about you?

Dex is short for Daniel Edward Exon, which was my great-grandfather's name.

Cool , I respond as if I don't already know that. Though I'll admit, I forgot about the familial part. Are you high?

No, why do you ask?

I roll my eyes. Because we've known each other since middle school?

You must have me mixed up with another guy you're going on a date with. We just met on campus.

I stifle a laugh so as not to disturb Kael, who's studying for a quiz.

Oh, you're right. I have so many guys vying for my time. I must've gotten all of you confused.

Well then, I better get moving on charming you so I can beat out all the others.

I snort. That almost sounds like one of your cheesy pickup lines.

What cheesy pickup lines? I bet your birthday is October 10. Because you're a ten out of ten.

I make a face at my screen. But I also can't help the smile pulling at my lips.

So cringe. Was that on the fly? Because it's awful.

Guess I'll have to up my game. In the meantime, what's your middle name?

I sigh. Edward.

Mine too! See? We have something in common.

What made you think we wouldn't? I tease since I'm the one who started that conversation after the flower fiasco.

No reason. Just thought we might be polar opposites. When I first started noticing you on campus—don't think I'm a stalker!—you were always reading something. I'm not into that unless it involves laws and policies, which is boring, I know. But at least I found something I'm interested in and excel at.

Despite it being a game we're playing, the idea of someone noticing me in that way sends a thrill through me.

How about charisma? I ask. I can see you excel at that too.

Now you're making me blush.

I roll my eyes because Dex is not one to be embarrassed about his powers of persuasion—with men or politics.

Was it my charismatic personality that swayed you to date me? he asks.

Maybe. You're also easy to talk to, which doesn't surprise me.

You are too. I like getting to know you, and I'm excited to hang out.

I'm looking forward to it , I admit.

Good. See you soon. Night.

Night.

I gape at my phone like a fool, not understanding why my stomach has this fluttering feeling. But maybe it's because if I close my eyes, I can picture having this back and forth for real with someone if I only developed the confidence.

"Okay, why are you grinning at the ceiling like an idiot?" Kael asks me. He tosses aside his notebook and sighs. "Please, spill the tea. I'm tired of studying."

Am I still smiling? Suppose I can't help it when thinking about this scenario with Dex.

I lift my phone. "I have a date."

Kael squeals. "You do?"

"Uh-huh, and the guy who asked me out has been quizzing me to get to know me better."

"Oh my God. I'm so excited for you!" He narrows his eyes. "Wait, why am I only hearing about this now?"

"It only just happened today. I'm so in my head about it, and you're studying. I didn't want to?—"

"Stop it this instant! You can always interrupt me with something like this. Tell me everything right now."

I feel guilty only giving him a half-truth. But I'll admit saying it aloud like it's real feels so satisfying.

"Okay, the truth is…I do have a date, but it's with someone you already know."

"Huh?" His eyes brighten. "Is it that Brandon guy from the party?"

"Hell no! Like that would ever happen."

"Well then, who?"

"Before I tell you, know that you're the one who planted the seed in my head on our way home from the mixer. You said that maybe I should ask Dex to like…" I trail off, trying to remember the exact phrasing.

"Make someone jealous?"

I cover my face with my hands, having that same reaction to the suggestion. "Yes…but before that, you suggested he should sort of…show me the ropes. Okay, now that I'm saying it aloud, it sounds dumb."

"It's not dumb. It's a great idea. So, what did Dex say?"

"Guess he thinks it's an okay idea because he asked me on a ‘date.'" I use air quotes so he knows it's not real.

"I love this. Where are you going?"

"To the bonfire party on the beach this Friday. It's organized by the LGBTQ+ club."

"Sounds perfect."

I wince as my stomach rolls. "Or it could be a total bust."

"Even if it is, you'll be with Dex."

"That's kind of what he said." I blow out a relieved breath that we're all on the same page.

"It sounds like he's going to try and make it feel authentic." He glances at my cell. "What are the texts about?"

I smile and shake my head. "I don't know exactly. The first one came out of the blue. He's asking me questions he already knows the answers to."

But if I'm being honest, there are things I forgot…or maybe I like hearing his version of them again.

"Aw, I really like that. He's good at this and doesn't even know it."

"Right? Anyway, go back to studying."

"Do I have to?" He lies back and throws his arms out dramatically. "Would you mind quizzing me on the terms?"

"Absolutely."

He hands me the notebook. Besides, anything to take my mind off this shit.