Page 150 of The Story of You

“Not prove, but it’s a good way to struggle with fear—like a simulation. I’m not so good at that. Seems like a good life skill.”

Shane nods along with him and I know I’ve lost five bucks. “Okay then. I have no objections.”

Everyone turns to Julius. “I’ve only heard stories. If he wants to give it a shot, I support him.”

“That’s commendable,” Darius says. “But after this bet’s over, I’m starting a new bet that this will be the last time you say that if he actually goes through with it. Sye?”

“I’m not in favor, but …” He sighs. “He’s twenty-five. If that’s what he wants to do, then he should get to try.”

“Well, I guess alien abduction is real,” Simon says. “You can’t be Silas. The Silas I know would never say that and I’d be twenty bucks richer.”

“Oliver and I have discovered our most crippling coping mechanism and we’ve decided we’re fine with it for now. This isn’t one of them.”

We all turn to Lakshan. His arms are crossed and he’s smiling. “No one bet on me, did they? Why would I stop Oliver? He’s a big boy and can make his own decisions. I’m a little surprised he wants to watch something based on a true story but—”

“Wait, true story?” Oliver’s brows press together.

“Yeah. It’s a bit of an urban tale in my opinion, but the lore says it happened.”

To his credit, Lakshan’s facial muscles don’t move an inch. It’s hard to tell if he brought up that nifty little point on purpose to deter Oliver.

“Fuck that. I’m out. I don’t care if Ryan Reynolds is naked and covered in chocolate sauce.”

“Aaaaaand, Lakshan for the win! Pay up,” Darius crows.

“I’m gonna up the ante,” I say. I regret speaking up, but then Oliver’s trembling lip urges me forward. “I’ll watch the movie with you and Asher if you’ll still watch it.”

Darius smiles at me. “Me too,” he adds.

Silas only sips his drink and slides a hand into his pocket. Not an objection, but not encouragement either. He’s filled with concern, but that’s normal for a dad about his only child no matter how old.

“Okay. I’ll watch it and besides, I’ve got a brave man to curl up to. You’ll watch it with us, yeah, baby?” he says to Julius.

“Of course, amore.”

Oliver extends a hand to him, and Julius seems to know what he wants. With the kittens clinging to Oliver’s fancy outfit, Julius lifts him easily, bridal style. They press their foreheads together. “Ryan Reynolds has nothing on you, baby,” Oliver says.

Silas downs the rest of his drink.

* * *

Wyatt

“You know, I think I’m gonna sit with Simon and Shane,” Darius whispers in my ear. “You should…” Darius gestures with his head toward Asher. “…spend a little one on one with him.”

I’m hesitant to leave him. I yank him so he’s flush to me. “Only if you promise to stay with Shane.” My hands shake as I run them over his head. I’ve already dressed him in my large USMC T-shirt and his black cotton pajama pants. Silas and Shane were out here building Oliver a giant bonfire as requested. All animals are sequestered inside. Simon’s brought out the hot dogs and smores ingredients and there’s a cooler filled with drinks.

“Promise. Get him before he goes, Major.”

“You really think he’s gonna go, huh?”

“I know it.” He kisses my lips and then he’s gone to the other side of the bonfire. Everyone’s paired up. Lakshan’s in Silas’s lap. Oliver in Julius’s. Darius grabs a beer from the cooler and takes a seat on the other side of Shane.

The sun’s lowering. The stars will be out soon.

Yeah. Asher’s interested, but is he ready? I’m gonna have to go real slow with him. With Darius, it’s been full on. A hundred miles per hour. Asher’s the scared animal you’ve gotta befriend slowly.

He’s shoving more wood into the fire, and I take a moment to admire his beautiful from, starting with his shiny strawberry blond hair. He ties it back sometimes, but it’s loose now. He’s wearing a grey t-shirt, but it should be one of my shirts. When I get to his feet … they’re still bare. What’s he thinking? He’s standing by the damn fire.