Page 110 of Charming Like Us

I nod, my mouth curving up. “I’m proud of you.”

Highland smiles, a more emotional one, and we hug again, this one tighter and longer.

When we break apart, he asks me, “Where’d you park? I can drop you off at your car. I’ll be at your place tomorrow morning, and we can start early.” He means for the show.

Work might be his distraction technique from emotional bombs.

“The other direction.” I point back towards Woody’s and stare at his hair, matted with dried milkshake. “Let me drive you home. I’ll get my sister to come pick up my car.” I’ll owe Joana one, or twenty, for the favor, but it’ll be worth it.

I just don’t want Jack to be alone tonight.

“Another second with Oscar Oliveira—why not?” He smiles and tosses me the keys, and when I climb into the driver’s seat, I realize I actually have regrets about how this all went down.

I wish I screamed louder and harder back at Woody’s that I don’t like Charlie. I wish I yelled that I like Jack.

I’m dating Jack Highland.

I’m with Jack Highland.

Every phrase in every dictionary that means,he’s it for me.

22

JACK HIGHLAND

The humof the car’s air conditioning is a familiar, pleasant sound. Back when I lived in SoCal, the sun would beat down on my Mazda, and sometimes I’d just shut off the music as I sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the PCH. Windows rolled down. Fresh wind off the coast cooling me as much as the air from the vents.

Being in my car tonight is a little different. No ocean in view. City noises surround me as Philly twinkles in the early night. Honking. Shouting as people smoke outside bars and gather with friends. And my phone is a mess of texts from people I haven’t even spoken to in years.

Hey, man! Long time no chat, just saw the news! You’re really with Charlie’s bodyguard?

Congrats on the new beau! Is it true???

I had no clue you’re into guys. Good for you, dude.

Didn’t know you were gay. Why didn’t you tell me?

And then my little brother…

KUYA! Wtf?!?– Utoy

He’s tried to FaceTime and callfourteentimes, and I already texted:I promise I’ll call. Just give me a sec. Love you.

With sticky milkshake coating my skin, my tank suctioning awkwardly to my chest, I shift tensely in the passenger seat and keep scrolling through social media.Who is Jack Highland?has been trending, along with#homerwreckerand#OslieSurvives

I replay a video on mute of my kiss with Oscar outside the cheesesteak restaurant. Our strong hands are on each other’s face, our builds fused together, our grip tightening in urgent yearning, and our lips beckon the other one closer—a powerful breath floods me.

That feeling is why I decided to catapult my life in the air with no idea where it’ll land. That feeling with him would be too devastating to lose.

He’s what I cling to as everything elsespirals.My parents—God, my parents are calling me for the fifth time, and I let it ring out and text:I’ll call later. Everything’s okay.

My phone pings.

Is this a publicity stunt?– Dad

Ouch.

I rock back with a heavy breath.