Page 65 of Out in the Open

He took in every detail. The Kappa Kappa Sigma banner hanging on the wall. The PC laptop closed on his desk. Two button-down shirts—one plaid, one solid navy—hanging over his desk chair. Ethan never realized how much he craved details.

And then there was Greg’s bed, which consisted of a rumpled brown comforter bunched over the sheets with pillows mashed together in a corner.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” Lorna said, and it sounded like a challenge.

Ethan squatted down and smelled the sheets. He squeezed them in his fist. It was Greg’s scent, the comingling of his laundry detergent and fabric softener mixed with his natural boy scent. In that moment, he felt like Greg was behind him, enveloping him in a hug. They’d never hugged. Ethan missed him.

“I have an idea.” Lorna’s smile got him intrigued. “Give me your phone. We’re going to text Greg a picture.”

“Of what?”

“Of you. On his bed. Showing him what he’s missing.”

Were Ethan sober, he would have told Lorna how stupid the idea was. How Greg would see the text and be totally creeped out.

Were Ethan sober…

“Yes! That’s perfect!” Ethan handed over his phone and sat on the bed. “Greg is going to be so turned on.”

Ethan leaned back on the bed. Greg’s comforter cushioned his back.

“Eh, that’s not sexy.” Lorna tapped her finger to her lip. “Get on all fours.”

“Like a dog?”

She nodded. “Like doggie-style.”

Ethan got into position. He stuck his butt out and looked to the camera. Lorna wasn’t feeling it.

“Do I look sexy?”

“Not sexy enough. Here, get on your knees and face me.”

Lorna had Ethan get into what she called a “supermodel on the beach” pose. He spread his knees apart and bent his arms over his head.

“Imagine Greg is underneath you fucking your brains out. Show me that face.”

Some embarrassment crept into Ethan’s alcohol-soaked brain while he posed, but he wanted to turn Greg on. He wanted Greg to notice him and be compelled to text him back. He pictured exactly what Lorna asked, and the sexiness was a champagne fountain rolling over him and filling him up. He pouted his lips and gave the camera his best “don’t you wanna fuck me” stare.

“Yes! Yes! This is so hot!” Lorna exclaimed.

“OH YEAH! GIVE IT TO ME, BABY!” Sahil cheered them on from the doorway.

And Greg was right beside him. He was not cheering.

Ethan sprung off the bed and tripped onto the floor. Greg knelt to help him out.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Greg asked through gritted teeth.

“Taking pictures.”

“You’re drunk.”

“You are very observant.”

“How did you sneak in here? Lorna?”

“You remembered my friend’s name?” Ethan was touched. And in response, he touched Greg. He curved his hand around Greg’s forearm.