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“Maybe,” Trey says. “But in many ways he’s basically a teen now. He’s only now starting to fully live. I am happy to be there to support him, but I can’t be a romantic anchor.”

“His parents have already broken his heart. I wish you wouldn’t.”

Trey leans toward me and pats me on the shoulder. “I don’t think he’s in love with me. We had a great time together, but it’s better this way.”

“All right. I hope you know what you’re doing,” I say.

“I hope so, too,” says Trey, and for the first time, his voice wobbles, and I wonder if he’s trying really hard not to show how scared he is.

“You know, you two looked really happy,” I say. “Genuinely in love. I don’t think this was nothing.”

Trey looks at me, then to the side. He presses his fist to his mouth.

“You can still change your mind, you know,” I say. “You can still go and hug him and tell him everything will be okay.”

Trey remains still. Like I’m not there at all, let alone talking.

Perhaps if I continue, he will eventually hear me. “He’s not going to just dump you because he’s finally wild and free. He’s not like that.”

“You don’t know how he is,” Trey raises his voice as he finally turns to look at me. “I know him! I’ve spent months with him. I know what I can and cannot expect of him!”

“So you admit it,” I say. “You’re scared.”

Trey doesn’t say anything, just blinks and holds my gaze.

“Dude.” I go to him and slap him on the shoulder. “Don’t be a coward. He needs you. I know he does.”

Trey looks down at his wringing hands, and I leave him to his thoughts.

****

In the afternoon, I get a text from Liz.

Liz: Did you talk to Trey today?

Joe: Yeah, why?

Liz: Bobby says Trey called to talk

They’re going out

So maybe we could, too

Joe: I’d love that

By the way, do you have 5 min now

I wanna see you

Just for a bit

Liz: Yes

Not sure what you have in mind but remember I don’t have an actual office

Joe: Come to mine

I need to put my hands on you