11. Eleven
Eleven
Tae
A ustin: If you don’t want to go dancing, we could just hang out and play video games or something. I need to get out of here.
I’m not surprised by the message, but Jude hasn’t answered about the club yet. He’s been texting me, sending memes and random small talk, but nothing serious. I’d be worried that he’s double thinking the whole thing and ready to change his mind about the whole boyfriend thing, but something tells me that isn’t the case. Jude isn’t acting weird or avoiding me. He’s just acting the same as he always does.
I switch from the text message with Austin to Jude.
What are you doing tomorrow? I wanna see you.
Jude
I don’t have any plans.
Want me to come over? We can hang out.
I’m already half sure what Jude will text back, but what am I supposed to do about Austin? I guess I could hang out with him today. I switch over to Austin and send a quick text.
Wanna come over here? We can order a pizza and play games. My parents are gone on some work thing.
His message pops up almost immediately but still no reply from Jude.
Austin
On my way.
I know it’ll only be a few minutes before he shows up. We don’t live too far away from each other and that’s probably part of why we’re such good friends. It definitely made hanging out in high school easier. My phone chimes with a new message.
Jude
Or we could go to that club with Austin.
Seriously?
My thumb hits the send button in a rush. I didn’t expect Jude to change his mind about the club, even if I did mention it before.
Jude
Yeah, if you wanna.
The doorbell ringing draws me back to reality. Austin must be here already. I’m sure he’ll be glad to hear I’ll be going to the club after all. Sure enough, Austin is standing there when I open the door. His phone in hand as he types away, his eyes look up at me before he hits send on the message and slips his phone into his pocket. “What kind of pizza were we thinking?” he asks in place of a hello.
I roll my eyes, but I’m hardly surprised by his behavior. “Hawaiian?”
“Pineapple on pizza? Really? I was thinking meat lovers.” Austin waggles his eyebrows suggestively, and I shake my head.
“You would.”
“Is that a no? Is the honeymoon already over with Jude? I thought for sure you’d be hanging out with him every moment you got the chance.”
“We can get meat lovers, and no, things with Jude are going just fine. In fact, he just agreed to go to the club with us tomorrow. Assuming you’re still up for it.”
“Oh joy, I get to play third wheel while you two make googly eyes at each other. I guess it’s better than any other plans I might have had. Right now, though, let’s order that pizza. I’m starving.” Austin follows me into the living room, plopping himself down on the couch like he belongs there. If my parents were home, we’d be hanging out in my bedroom, but we might as well enjoy the larger TV in here while we get the chance.
I pull my phone out, opening the app to the pizza place I usually order from, and tap out an order to be delivered. With that done, I head to my room to grab my games. I set up the Xbox, handing a controller to Austin as I plop down on the couch next to him. We finish the first round of Call of Duty without really talking. The doorbell rings again, and I pause the game to grab the pizza.
“How’s your break going so far?” I ask. “Any reason in particular you needed to get out of the house?”
“Just typical shit,” Austin says as he grabs a slice of pizza from the box. He takes a bite, avoiding saying more for a moment as he chews. “Dad’s drunk and arguing with everyone. Nothing new,” he tells me with a shrug. Knowing Austin’s dad, he’s probably in one of his rants. Can’t say I blame Austin for wanting to get out of the place. “What about you and Jude? What changed? Last I heard, you were still just friends .”
I start another round on the game, stalling as I think of what to say. “We went camping for Jude’s birthday. Things were a little awkward at first after what happened when we were drunk. I wasn’t going to bring it up, but Jude did. He asked me to kiss him, and you know how it is. Things just went from there.”
Austin nods along in the right places while his thumbs move on the controller, his eyes not leaving the TV. “That’s great, man. Seriously, I’m glad for you two. It’s about time you two got together, with how often you’re around each other already. Can’t believe it’s taken this long.”
“Jude isn’t bi,” I tell him, and Austin turns his head while raising one eyebrow. “I mean, yeah, he’s interested in me, and clearly he’s dated girls in the past, but he isn’t interested in other guys. I don’t know. I think he might be demisexual or something. He’s into me because we already have a close friendship.”
“Oh, that’s cool. Guess that makes sense why he and you didn’t happen until some drunk kiss made you consider it.”
We play another round of the game between bites of pizza, not really talking besides the occasional game chatter. “Wanna crash on the couch tonight?” I ask. “My parents won’t mind if you need somewhere to crash for the night.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine. Dad’s probably passed out by now.”
“The offer’s open if you change your mind.” I shrug. “We’re still on for dancing tomorrow, though, right?”
“Yup. Wouldn’t miss it.”