CHAPTER 38 – ANTONIO
It’s Friday. The scariest and best Friday.
Caspian is picking me up at seven. If I’m not forced to cancel because I have nothing to wear.
Marcus Aurelius had it so easy—it was toga or nothing for him.
I can hardly wear a white sheet. Or could I?
No. I’d end up looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost.
I’m aiming for a romantic interest, not a paranormal occurrence.
I fling my closet open. Shirts fly. Pants follow. Desperation reaches its peak.
Why are all my clothes black or white? I’m not a zebra.
Where are all my sophisticated adult trousers? Where is the outfit that says he should keep me?
I find one button-down, but when I try it on, I look like a pocket-sized mansplainer.
I grab a long-sleeved brown grandad shirt. Is this even mine? I pull it over my head and let out a small yelp when I spot myself in the mirror.
I’m a peasant boy and I keep goats.
The door creaks open, and Maria peeks in.
She notices the denim massacre on the floor. She looks at my outfit.
“Did you get lost on your way to the old man of the Alps, Peter?”
“He’s picking me up at seven,” I whisper.
She casually picks up a pair of jeans and a tee and hands them to me.
“Wear these.”
I ditch the goatkeeper’s shirt and change into the clothes Maria gave me.
“What if I say something inappropriate? Or accidentally sit in his lap?”
Maria smirks. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
I blush. Suddenly all I want is to sit in his lap.
“I’ll do something weird,” I say, pacing the floor. “I know I will.”
She studies me. “You’ve already done weird . He’s still picking you up at seven.” Her voice softens. “Be yourself. It’s worked pretty well so far.”
I look at her, the panic easing a little. Yes. That’s something I can do. I can be myself. If that’s not enough at least I’ll have tried.