Page 17 of A Stealthy Situation

“Well, other than today, no.”

Felix and Marshall exchange a look.

“What was that?”

Felix is struggling to hold back his smile. “Can we be absolutely sure that he’s not into you?”

“Into me? Like … gay?”

“Or any other flavor of queer, but yeah.”

I don’t immediately deny it because I don’t want to assume anything about anyone, but as I think back over today, I’m not getting the vibe. “I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“Well, if he wanted that, he’d be … flirty, right?”

“Probably.”

“Then, nah. It didn’t feel like he was trying to pull me. Frat boys just always want their parties to be big.”

“True.”

“Besides, it’s not like I’m not open to it, but I’m straight. I’ve never had the urge to go there with a guy, and Fe, you’re one hell of a cute guy.” I hold my hands out to the side. “Still nothing.”

“Aw, well, I guess frat boy is shit out of luck.”

“If he even wants that, which I don’t think he does.”

Thankfully, they let it drop, and Marshall takes over the conversation, filling us in on the drama at Shenanigans. The college bar is a great place to hang out, but when you hire a bunch of college students, they bring the drama, and Marshall always ends up with the best stories from work. Ever since his colleague Brax hooked up with a lacrosse player at work and Marshall almost walked in on them, I’ve been invested. And now, with the lacrosse player’s illegitimate baby brother working there too, I’m just waiting for the next scandal.

Since I cooked, they clean up after dinner, and I finally grab my phone to text Benny back.

Me:

Sounds mint. We’ll be there. Can I tell the pledges my friends are on your list too? We’re all kinda poor college kids.

I add a begging emoji. Felix and Marshall both get regular work, but between vet school and Marshall doing his masters, it cuts into what hours they can take. I’m living off scholarships and a stipend my parents send me, plus the occasional hours I pick up mowing people’s lawns and tending to their gardens.

Benny:

Sure. But please take a photo of their expressions when you do.

Me:

I get the feeling this is a joke I’m not in on.

Benny:

Stupid frat boy stuff.

Me:

Isn’t ALL frat boy stuff stupid?

Benny:

Well, now I’m super offended. SO offended. You’ll have to make it up to me.

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