Page 6 of Tongue-Tied

It’s sort of lit that students recognize it that way. All the flags were one of the draws for me. Not only the American flag but also the United Nations and LGBTQ flags, among many others.

“Yep, that’s the one.” I smile. “And with me being gone, Austin thought he scored a single. But I think he’s secretly glad to have you there to keep him social.”

Kael winces. “I’m not much better. Angelica is the party animal.”

I glance at Angelica as she sips her drink and sways to the background music. “I guess we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

When I high-five Angelica, Austin and Kael laugh. But that feeling in the pit of my stomach is back. Maybe Austin found the perfect situation. I wonder if Kael loves books too.

“There’s one of my roommates.” Angelica lifts her hand and makes a beeline for her friend, dragging Kael with her.

Austin and I are left standing awkwardly like we don’t know how to act around each other. I glance over at the table where my housemates were just served beers and food. Austin and I are still underage, as is Milo, so we weren’t given the wristbands at the door to signify we’re legally able to drink.

“I don’t want to keep you,” Austin says. “I’ll go find Kael.”

“I was actually hoping you’d join me, at least for a little while?” I feel almost shy asking him. Strange. “I’ll share my nachos.”

He smiles, but I can see the wariness in his eyes. “Sounds good.”

He follows me to the table, where I steal an empty chair from another section and set it beside mine. “Thanks.”

We eat nachos and drink sodas while chatting with Ian and Milo. Austin’s shoulders unwind, and he even jokes with my housemates. He doesn’t even realize he can be social—even charming—in most situations that don’t involve dating attractive men.

“So, how long before Dex’s dirty clothes started piling up by his bed?” Austin asks Milo.

I narrow my eyes as Milo replies, “About an hour?”

When Austin cracks up, I mock-pout. “Hey! At least I keep things on my side of the room.”

“True,” they both admit. The banter makes things feel more normal, so I breathe out in relief.

Once we’re finished with the nachos, Austin stretches out his legs. “I should probably go see what Kael’s up to.”

“Mind if I tag along?” I ask, and he shakes his head.

We stand and tell Milo we’re gonna go find a friend.

Milo gives us a thumbs-up, and once we’re out of earshot, Austin says, “Does Milo help keep you on schedule like I used to?”

“Obviously not.” I frown. “That’s what you do best.”

“It’s a bit hard with you across campus.” He scoffs. “Besides, that’s what daily planners are for. Have I not taught you anything?”

“It’s just not the same without you,” I admit, and his eyes soften.

He playfully bumps my shoulder. “I know what you mean. Who’s gonna get me out so I can live vicariously while you flirt with gorgeous guys?”

Austin is definitely introverted, but he would also get antsy in the dorm room and seem almost relieved to be invited somewhere by me. He’s stubborn enough not to admit it, and I wouldn’t prod if I didn’t know him so well. Just like he knows me well enough to not bring up certain topics from my childhood. The truth is Austin wants more opportunities to put himself out there, but he doesn’t always know how to approach it.

I smirk as my gaze moves toward the makeshift dance floor, where Kael is surrounded by Angelica and her friends. That’s when I spot a cute guy people-watching from the edge. “Like that dude in the green shirt? Seems your type.”

Austin’s neck turns red because I’m right. He likes beefed-up guys, and who am I kidding? So do I. But I’m also not as picky as him. A good time is just that.

“Ooh! He just looked over here!” I say, hamming it up but also wanting Austin to have more confidence when it comes to attractive men.

“Let’s be honest. He’s more than likely checking you out.”

I scoff. “You act like you’re an ogre.”

---