Page 183 of Pride High 2: Orange

“Deal,” Keisha said with a nod. “But if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to distance myself from my own embarrassment. I’ll catch up with you some other time. Okay?”

“Of course,” Silvia said, not truly wanting her to go. “I’ll see you later?”

Keisha turned around when reaching the door. “Yeah,” she said. “Later.”

Silvia watched through the window as Keisha got into her Bronco and drove away. Then she raised a hand to her lips, touching them with her fingertips, the memory of that kiss still sending tingles down her spine.

* * * * *

Ricky realized that he was heading in the wrong direction if he wanted to go home, but he didn’t turn around. Walking past the record store again would be more than he could take at the moment. He had gone there seeking answers. And boy had he gotten them! Silvia was the mysterious woman in the truck. He had suspected her previously, but loading up her father in the hospital parking garage was like seeing a reenactment. The concern on her face, the no-nonsense tone of her voice when decisions had to be made, the lurching sensation as the truck took corners faster that it normally would…

Silvia had rescued him. But he no longer thought of her as a hero. Maybe she was still in the closet. If so, that was no excuse. Ricky would never date a girl and pretend to love her, just to hide who he was. Although back when he was still with Jeremiah, they had lied plenty of times so nobody would discover what they were really up to. Maybe this wasn’t so different.

That didn’t mean he had to like it. Or keep relying on such tactics. If he was ever lucky enough to have a boyfriend again… Ricky slowed and stopped. Frankenstein was parked up ahead, in front of the bar Diego had taken him to previously. He picked up the pace, needing to see him more than ever. Ricky didn’t think about the age restriction as he entered, but he was quickly reminded.

“You’re not old enough to be in here,” the bartender said.

“I’m looking for my friend,” Ricky replied while peering around the dim interior.

The bartender scoffed. “He’s probably chewing bubblegum down at the arcade. Now get lost!”

Ricky scowled at him but didn’t leave. He walked deeper into the interior, trying to see who was seated there.

The bartender bristled. “Listen, kid, I’m about to throw you out on your ear. Or I can call your parents.”

“It’s okay,” Diego said as the restroom door squeaked open. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Hey!” Ricky said as he approached. “I was just—”

“Making a scene,” Diego said, grabbing the back of his windbreaker and guiding him out the door. “Don’t ruin a good thing. I only get to hang out here because I keep a low profile.”

“Sorry,” Ricky said.

“Don’t worry about it,” Diego said easily. “What’s up?”

Too much to put into words, so he kept it simple. “I needed to see you.”

“Here I am,” Diego replied.

Ricky folded his arms over his chest and shivered. “Can we—”

“Yeah, of course.” Diego was already moving toward the car. “He’s probably still warm.”

Ricky slipped into the Trans Am, taking comfort in the familiar sense of security.

“How’d you find me?” Diego asked as he started and revved the engine. Heat was already blowing from the vents.

“By accident,” Ricky admitted. “I was…” He thought about it all and shook his head. “You’re right.”

Diego raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

“People are fake.”

“Damn straight they are.”

“I don’t want to be like them,” Ricky said. “And I won’t be. I know you don’t like words, but they’re how I express myself best, so I have to try.” He licked his lips nervously and turned toward Diego. “I like you. You’re really handsome, and I’m crazy about your muscles, but it’s more than just your body. You see the world in a different way. I used to think you were mean, but it’s more like you’re… I don’t know, fierce. You don’t compromise or water down your opinions to make people feel better. You call things how they are. You’re real. And I want to make you feel loved. I don’t care if you’re gay or straight or something in between. I only need to know if you feel the same way about me.”

Diego stared at him for a moment. Then he grabbed himself through his jeans. “Does this answer your question?”