Chapter 41
FEE
“Will you look over this application for me? I just want to be sure there aren’t any typos or things I missed,” I ask Lexi.
“Of course. Are you done with all three applications? I’m happy to proof them.” Ariel is sitting on the floor surrounded by her stuffed animals having a very involved tea party, looking the picture of happy adorableness.
“And I’ll be a second set of eyes,” Hammer adds between sips of her fake tea and nibbles of her real cookie.
Ariel keeps filling our cups and serving us digestives while we work.
“Thanks, I appreciate both of you.” I switch tabs on my laptop.
Mac and I had a long talk the morning after our talk/sex-fest, and he asked if I would apply to art programs in the cities where he applied for hockey camp.
He’d already researched a bunch of options.
Berlin has an incredible arts community, and so does Stockholm, so we made a list and went to my sister’s for dinner, where poor Mac tried not to shit his pants while we laid out our potential summer plan.
Lexi and Roman were surprisingly easy to convince and exceptionally supportive.
And here we are, reviewing my applications.
Roman is with Callie at hockey practice, but they’ll be home soon. We’re having a sister/niece afternoon while we tackle my applications for overseas summer art gallery internships and local ones.
If Mac gets into the programs in Berlin and Stockholm, I want options there, too.
It’s not that I think we can’t handle being apart for three months.
But we may have to endure a long-distance relationship for a year if he gets called up to a team across the country.
We want the summer together. To have the experience with him would be cool, no matter where he ends up.
“Have you reached out to the woman from the art show about the internship?” Hammer asks, moving her chair closer.
“I have! I’m meeting with Ellie next week, actually. We just firmed up the date yesterday.”
Lexi glances up from the application she’s reading. “I’m excited to find out more about that.”
“Me, too.” My laptop dings with another order from my online store.
Hammer’s eyes light up. “How many is that now?”
“More than fifty. The T-shirts are really popular.”
“I knew they would be. We’ll keep adding products, but a slow rollout is best, at least until the semester is over. We can ramp it up when you’re through exams.”
The art show, while initially scary, has given me so many amazing opportunities. Two professors have suggested I take their classes, and the student art gallery director requested that I apply for one of their on-campus summer positions.
The copycat artist decided to retaliate to my coming out by trying to frame me by spray painting a piece of art on the side of the art building.
She posted a video and made it look like me, complete with a Tilton hockey hoodie with my boyfriend’s last name on it, but got caught in the act by campus security before she could escape.
She was the same year as me and has since been expelled, which is sad since she’s quite talented, even if she’s still struggling to figure out her style.
I hope she can find a way to pursue her art outside of Tilton.
Beyond that, my “coming out” from behind the social media mask has opened new doors. All the things I’ve always wanted are happening. Hammer and Hemi helped me set up my online store. For now, I have T-shirts, art prints, canvas prints, posters, and stickers. Mugs are next.
My phone buzzes with a new message. I glance at the screen and smile.
Mac
How’s girls’ afternoon going?
Fee
So fun.
I send him a picture of Lexi and Hammer, following with a selfie.
Mac
Tell them both I said hi.
“Mac says hi,” I repeat.
Lexi grins. “Tell him we say hi, too, and that we’re excited to see him play tonight.”
I relay the message.
Mac
I’m excited, too.
Fee
Practice was good?
Mac
It was great. Super smooth. And Brody is back on his game, so we’re going in with a positive headspace.
Fee
I’m so glad to hear that.
I’ll message when I’m back on campus.
Mac
Sounds good. Luv u. Xo
Fee
Luv u back.
Hammer snaps a picture.
I set my phone down. “What are you doing?”
She shows me her screen. “You’re so happy.”
I’m wearing a dopey grin, eyes slightly unfocused. “I truly am.” I don’t know what the summer will look like, but I know wherever Mac and I end up, we’re in it together.
“You and Mac are good for each other.” Lexi flips the page on my essay.
“I think so, too.” I return to my laptop. “I’m pretty much finished with the design. Do you think we have enough time to print it out before the game?” My hope is that I can wear one to the game.
“Absolutely.” Hammer grins. “Let’s do this.”