I was singing along with Elton John at the top of my lungs at the edge of the pool. Elton wasn't there, proper, he was in the stereo but I was having such a good time that I must have missed the look that passed over my head between August (minding his own business, sadly. As always) and Duncan, who never misses an opportunity to wade into whatever's going on on any given day.
Into whoever, I mean.
I sat up with a gasp, quilt in my fists an hour later in Duncan's room, as Duncan finally let go of me. Chlorine and incense fills my throat. His hands leave almost-bruises everywhere he touches me, Elton still sings in the background and I no longer what August is up to because he doesn't seem to want me to know.
I should spend more time at the pool, Duncan says softly. I wasn't sure if I was interrupting anything between you and August. I mean, I guess it's clear I wasn't.
I shake my head. There's a lot going on with him.
Interesting. That's not what he said.
Please tell me so I don't act like a fool around him, Dunk.
I could make my own case here and yet I'm trying to show you the virtue of someone else. That's the kind of man I am, I guess. He laughs. He actually asked if you said anything about him. He said you've been avoiding him for months, that you two had a misunderstanding.
A misunderstanding. That's what he called it?
Yeah. What happened?
We had a...misunderstanding.
Maybe you should go talk to him. Though I'd love to keep you.
Okay. Sorry, Duncan.
Short and sickly sweet are my favorite kinds of visits from you, Bridge.
But I didn't go across the drive to August's loft. I went upstairs alone and hid out on my balcony with a book until August sent me a text.
Busy?
No.
Come over?
Can you come here?
Alright. Give me a minute.
I feel like I don't know what he's going to say but I know exactly what he's going to say.
Into whoever, I mean.
I sat up with a gasp, quilt in my fists an hour later in Duncan's room, as Duncan finally let go of me. Chlorine and incense fills my throat. His hands leave almost-bruises everywhere he touches me, Elton still sings in the background and I no longer what August is up to because he doesn't seem to want me to know.
I should spend more time at the pool, Duncan says softly. I wasn't sure if I was interrupting anything between you and August. I mean, I guess it's clear I wasn't.
I shake my head. There's a lot going on with him.
Interesting. That's not what he said.
Please tell me so I don't act like a fool around him, Dunk.
I could make my own case here and yet I'm trying to show you the virtue of someone else. That's the kind of man I am, I guess. He laughs. He actually asked if you said anything about him. He said you've been avoiding him for months, that you two had a misunderstanding.
A misunderstanding. That's what he called it?
Yeah. What happened?
We had a...misunderstanding.
Maybe you should go talk to him. Though I'd love to keep you.
Okay. Sorry, Duncan.
Short and sickly sweet are my favorite kinds of visits from you, Bridge.
But I didn't go across the drive to August's loft. I went upstairs alone and hid out on my balcony with a book until August sent me a text.
Busy?
No.
Come over?
Can you come here?
Alright. Give me a minute.
I feel like I don't know what he's going to say but I know exactly what he's going to say.