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“I figure they have it coming,” Anthony said with a grin. “Flying around and breathing underwater while knowing we can’t do the same. Show-offs!”

Cameron laughed. “They’re practically begging to be turned into food.”

“I can find something to eat no matter where we go,” Anthony added quickly. “Sides or whatever. But barbeque joints are the toughest.”

“No problem. You still like guys though, right? I didn’t get that wrong?”

“Yeah,” Anthony said, shooting a glance in his direction. “I’m definitely into guys.”

“That’s all that really matters,” Cameron said with a smirk. “I’ve been looking forward to this. I thought the week would never end.”

“No kidding! It was torture.”

Even though they still got to see each other at school. Anthony had made eye contact each time he passed the table Cameron sat at. And of course they walked to their biology class together, meeting in a spot away from the cafeteria so their friends wouldn’t notice. But that was less than five minutes each day, which was like getting to eat a single french fry before having the rest taken away.

“Do you think anyone at school is onto us?” Cameron asked.

Anthony shook his head. “No. My best friend Omar probably would have noticed by now, if he didn’t have a girlfriend. He didn’t ask many questions when I mentioned hanging out with you. He’s not the possessive type unfortunately.”

“Unfortunately?” Cameron repeated with a questioning expression.

Anthony laughed it off like it was a joke. “You know what’s been really weird?” he said, deliberately changing the subject. “Pretending not to know about Ricky.”

“What do you mean?” Cameron asked innocently.

“Oh stop. I know you’re trying to protect him, but it’s obvious now. To me anyway. I won’t let on though, don’t worry.”

Cameron turned a puzzled expression on him. “Why not? You’re both gay. Why keep that a secret?”

Anthony thought about it. “I don’t know him that well yet. But mostly it’s because of Omar. If I was going to come out to anyone, it would have to be him first.”

“How come?”

“Because it would hurt his feelings if he found out I was more comfortable telling someone I’d only just met. You don’t count. Going on a date in secret is one thing. He’ll understand that, assuming he’s cool with the whole gay thing. But ifhehad a secret that only Ricky knew, I wouldn’t like that. We’re too close. Best friends shouldn’t keep the important stuff from each other.”

Cameron nodded in understanding. “Do you have any reason to think he wouldn’t be okay with it?”

“I don’t know. He’s laughed at gay jokes before, but he doesn’t go around calling anyone a fag. Maybe he wouldn’t mind. But I hate the idea that he wouldn’t want to sleep in the same bed as me anymore or…” Anthony swallowed. “I don’t want to lose him. Even a little bit.” He cleared his throat and asked, “What about you? Do any of your friends know?”

“Nope. Well, aside from Charles, the older guy I mentioned before. But he’s gay, so there’s no sense in keeping it a secret. For me, that is. I understand your reasons. Although I feel bad for avoiding Ricky. He seems kind of lonely, but I worry that he’ll ask how we know each other, and I don’t like to lie. Not unless I have to.”

“An honest guy, huh?” Anthony said. “That just happens to be one of my biggest turn-ons. Don’t worry too much about Ricky. He’s hanging out with me and Omar tomorrow. We’ll look out for him.”

“Good!” Cameron seemed genuinely relieved. “Have you done this sort of thing before? Do you have a little brother or sister?”

“Nope. Two older brothers. What about you?”

“Only child,” Cameron said.

“Lucky! What’s it like? I’ve always wondered. Can we switch places for the rest of the year?”

Cameron grew somber. “I’m not sure you’d want to.”

“Why’s that?” Anthony asked while studying him.

“It can be lonely,” Cameron said. “I always thought… You know when your parents are being annoying? I bet you and your brothers would get together to complain about it.”

“Yeah. For sure.”