Page 56 of Scout

His whole face flushes.

“It’s okay. I’m hot. Bet there were a lot of straight guys turned gay by me.”

We both laugh.

“I'm more gay than bi. Women are nice, but they're not really what I'm attracted to. I've slept with some, but it was more about them being a willing hole when a man wasn't around.”

He swirls the beer in his glass, and for a second, I see the weight lift off his shoulders.

“Do you think I have a chance of being hired?”

I give him a once-over, lean to the side to peek under the table, and nod. “Fuck yeah. Put me down as a reference. Best thing is, you tell her your availability and she’ll work with it. I think you’ll do great.”

He doesn’t say anything for a second. Just processes. Then he lifts his glass.

“Okay, now that we have a plan for you,” I say, lifting mine too, “let’s have some fun.”

I slam my beer back and grin.

“Let’s do shots.”

21

Scout

We’ve only just clinkedour glasses and downed the first shot when my phone rings.

Juniper.

She wouldn’t call when she’s with Millie unless it’s something important.

I answer it so fast I nearly spill the rest of my drink. “Junie Boo? What’s wrong?”

“She’s coming to get me,” she blurts out, already sounding mad and defeated at the same time.

I stiffen. “Who is?”

“Mom.” That one word lands like a gut punch. “She says she doesn’t remember saying I could stay for the weekend. Says I took off without asking. She’s really pissed, Scout.”

Shit.My stomach knots. I push the shot glass aside.

“Wait—what? But youasked. She said yes. I saw the texts.”

“I know, but she’s acting like she never said that. And I don’t wanna fight. I’m just gonna meet her downstairs and go home.”

I glance at the clock on my phone. It’s not even nine. “You sure she’s okay to drive? I can come get you. Seriously. It’s not a big deal.”

“No, really—it’s fine. You’re out with your friend. She sounded okay. Not drunk or anything. Just mad. If she’s weird, I’ll call. Promise.”

I rake a hand through my hair, already spiraling. “Juniper…”

“I’m sorry she ruined our weekend,” she says, softer now.

“We’ll have a thousand more weekends,” I tell her. “It’s okay.”

“I know,” she sighs. “I love you.”

“Love you too, Junie Boo.”