Page 107 of Something Like Hail

Nathaniel didn’t address this question.Instead he mentioned the person who had no doubt sent him.“Marcello sees potential in you.”

“But only if I play along,”he shot back. “If I do whatever he wants and agree with everythinghe says, he’ll be my best friend. That’s how it works,right?”

Nathaniel snorted. “You know what I can’tstand? The work you do. The entire escort service is a risk, andnot even a profitable one, but to Marcello it’s a conviction. Hethinks he’s trailblazing future standards while fighting againstthe infringement of personal liberty. I’m sick to death of hearingabout it, but do you know what I do?”

“Suck it up and stay on hisgood side?” Noah answered, already seeing where this lecture wasgoing. Or so he thought.

“Hell no! I argue with himevery time it comes up, and he respects that. But if I startedsneaking around his back and trying to undermine that part of hisbusiness…”

“That’s not what I wasdoing!” Noah said. “This was all spontaneous, I swear. I saw Timwas here tonight, and the Ryan stuff has been hanging over my headlately, so I thought talking to him might help. And I thoughtthathecouldhelp.”

Nathaniel studied him before speaking again.“Marcello’s not the only one who thinks you have potential. Like Isaid the other day, you need to prove that you can be professional.When you’re at work, your personal life should be set aside.”

“I’m not at work! I’mvolunteering.”

“You’re being paid, andyou’re representing the GAC. Even when you’re not interacting withthe clients, you’re still being watched.”

“By you?”

“By people who care. It’sup to you what that can turn into.”

He wasn’t sure what thatmeant, and he didn’t have time to ask. Nathaniel pushed his wayinto the kitchen and walked to a group of waiters who were standingaround and talking, berating them for not doing their jobs. Maybethat was his hobby. Noah realized he hadn’t been fired yet anddecided to increase his chances of staying employed. He grabbed atray ofhors d'oeuvresand returned to the ballroom, stopping to make pleasantconversation with anyone who seemed to be alone, although he wasunable to find Chester. He did manage to get two of his clientstalking about a subject they both enjoyed. Maybe they would becomefriends or more. His tray was nearly empty when he was approachedby Harold again.

“Five minutes!” Harold saidbefore he could retreat. “That’s all I’m asking!”

Noah nearly laughed, having so recently beenon the opposite side of the situation. “At the end of the nightwhen we’re off duty. Okay?”

Harold flashed another heart-melting smileand nodded. Noah waited until he had walked away before sighing.Why couldn’t the past remain where it belonged? That would beeasier for him. For Tim as well, he supposed, and probably a slewof other people too.

As the evening wound down, he found himselflonging for the new future he had started to build. As soon asNathaniel had unlocked the cabinet where their cell phones werekept and Noah had his own back, he sent a text to Felix.

Confessiontime, he wrote.Mylife is full of crazy people. You’re the only one who makes anysense. Is it okay if I never introduce you to anyone else Iknow?

He didn’t have to wait long for theresponse.

Does that mean I don’t have to shareyou?

Noah grinned.Exactly.

Sounds good to me. Are you off work yet?When do I get to see you again?

Tomorrow, Noah texted. He had aclient, but he knew from experience that it would be a quickone.After school? I can pick youup.

And then?

Noah thought about all theplaces they could go.You’ve shown me yourapartment. Ready to see mine?

The response was a series of exclamationpoints and a blushing emoji. He hadn’t meant it quite like that,but he wouldn’t shoot down the possibility. Noah looked up and sawHarold making a beeline for him.

Dutycalls, he sent quickly before pocketing thephone. Then he looked Harold over as he approached, trying to findany detail flawed enough to take him down a notch. When thisfailed, he took a deep breath and went to where his backpack satamong the piled belongings of the other volunteers.

“You’re not running awayfrom me again, are you?” Harold asked, moving to joinhim.

“Nope,” Noah said easily.“Just putting on my shirt. You should do the same.”

“Why?” Harold asked,flexing an arm. “I’ve been making some serious gains!”

“I didn’t notice,” Noahlied, and since he had abandoned the truth… “I also don’t care.Here. This is your backpack, right?”