Page 183 of The Lineman

I shook my head, grinning. “Man, I thought Jason and Emery were going to come to blows before they somehow bonded over inappropriate lesbian questions.”

Mateo took a long sip of his beer. “Yeah, how did that happen? One second, she looked ready to murder him, and the next, they were leaving arm in arm like besties.”

I exhaled. “It was either a miracle or a hostage situation. I still haven’t decided which.”

Elliot, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the chaos, finally spoke. “The kid I talked to—Jake—he needed tonight. You could see it all over him.”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Mateo sighed, tapping his bottle against the table. “Same with Jamie. The way he lit up when he saw people actually walk through the door? Man, that was everything.”

I smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that happy.”

Mateo ran a hand through his hair. “You guys think this will actually last? Like, will kids keep coming?”

I exhaled, leaning forward. “I hope so. It’s gonna take work, but—yeah, I think they will.”

Mateo nodded. “Yeah.”

We all sat there for a second, soaking it in.

Because this was real now.

We’d actually done it.

Elliot smirked. “So what you’re saying is you two are now officially responsible for the fragile queer youth of this school?”

Mateo groaned. “God help us.”

“God helpthem,” Elliot corrected with a smart-assed look.

I took a sip of my drink, shaking my head. “I still can’t believe it actually happened.”

Mateo exhaled. “I really can’t believe Jason’s parents showed up.”

I snorted. “That was iconic.”

Elliot nodded. “I liked them.”

Mateo shook his head. “Jason’s mom is a force. I thought she was gonna fight me.”

I grinned. “You were terrified.”

“I was cautious,” he corrected.

Elliot snorted. “Nah, man, you were two seconds from bolting.”

Mateo rolled his eyes. “Fine. I thought she was going to start throwing punches, but instead, she just threatened my career and then ordered a cookie.”

I smirked. “A true icon.”

Mateo huffed. “Honestly, I’d rather take my chances with her than with Jason. That kid’s a wildcard.”

Elliot took another sip of his beer. “Yeah, but admit it—you love him.”

Mateo scowled. “I do not.”

I grinned. “Youtotallydo.”

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