Page 18 of Burn It Down

She cackles on the last part, and I know she’s teasing, but I can still feel my cheeks turning bright red. “I need a new friend. Seriously, I’m taking applicants this week.”

She only grins. “Not getting rid of me that easily, and we both know you love me.”

I do. Damn her. “Besides there’s only one flower shop in town, and it’s been owned by the same woman since I can remember.”

“Yes, that’s his aunt. She retired and left the shop to him. I’m serious about this one, Spence. He’ll be perfect for you.”

I can’t help glancing over at Kade, who’s still in the firm grasp of Shannon, and then look back at Janelle, who’s waiting for my answer.

“At the very least, you could make a new friend. He’s new to town, and I think he could use that too.”

She knows exactly what she’s doing, pulling at my heart strings. “Okay.”

She doesn’t look surprised at all. She knew she had me.

I can’t believeI agreed to this, and on a school night of all nights. But apparently, Levi is busy on the weekends, and Janelle said he was pretty excited. Which, I have to admit, does pretty great things for my ego, even though I’m not expecting much.

My love life has been pretty dull since I moved back to Garnett after college. I mean, there have been occasional hookups here and there—using an app and usually having to drive an hour away—but nothing spectacular.

I can’t act like the prospect of actually dating someone—maybe even settling down—is starting to become more and more appealing. I want the lazy weekends in bed and maybe going to farmers’ markets. Movie dates. Simple but happy.

My relationship with my parents is complicated, but one thing is for sure—they have a love a lot like that, and it’s something I’ve always wanted for myself. Without the judgment and shaming of their only child, of course, but that’s neither here nor there.

I know it’s Levi right away when he walks through the door because I don’t recognize him, and he’s exactly how Janelle described him. Thinner build and average height. Big, bright blue eyes and a face that, while it’s very handsome, also couldn’t be described as anything but just absolutely adorable.

He’s gorgeous, like Janelle stated, and when he sees me, his smile gets even bigger as he approaches. “Spencer?”

“Yes.” I stand up to greet him. He reaches his hand out for me, and I shake it. “Levi?”

He nods. “Yes.” His smile only grows wider as he looks me over. “Janelle was not kidding. You’re gorgeous.”

I feel my cheeks heat up at that—having been the ugly duckling all through school. It’s still strange to me when anyone finds me attractive. I clear my throat and drop his hand, motioning for him to join me at the table. “Thank you. You too,” I say awkwardly as he also blushes and takes a seat across from mine.

To most people in town, I’m sure it just looks like two friends having dinner at the local restaurant. But like I said, I don’t hide the fact that I’m gay, and they can assume whatever the hell theywant. Still, I can’t lie that I’m a little on edge, thinking about a parent from school walking in and seeing me on a date with a guy. It’s a very real fear but one I haven’t had to face yet.

It’s a battle I may have to fight someday, but it won’t stop me from living my life. We fall into easy small talk as we order and then eat. It’s casual and familiar. I wouldn’t say there’s a romantic spark there at all, and I don’t think he’s feeling it either, but like Janelle said—toward the end of the date, I feel like I’ve made a new friend.

Levi is quirky and cute—very funny and loves flowers. I think most of our date has consisted of talking about flowers. Something I didn’t mind at all. We’re still enjoying our conversation when the door opens, and my heart jolts as Kade and Elijah walk through the door.

I let out an audible gasp, and Levi’s gaze travels toward the door, his eyes widening slightly. “You know him?”

I nod my head, turning away from the door and doing everything I can to make myself smaller so maybe they won’t notice. “One of my students.”

Levi nods his head. “Oh. Is this okay?” He motions between the two of us, and he must think I’m worried about a student seeing me out on a date. He may not be from here—but I’m sure he’s quickly learning the nuances of a small town like this one.

If only that’s what I was worried about. I’m still trying to find my voice as Kade and Elijah make their way over to our table at the same time the waitress brings the check and leaves it for me as I requested.

This for sure looks like a date—and it is. I shouldn’t be freaking out like I am. And the truth is if it were any other student and parent, I wouldn’t bat an eye. But I’m internally freaking out as Kade’s eyes land on the check.

I mean, he’s kind of an asshole if he’s assuming it’s a date just because I’m paying. But his eyes tell me that’s exactly what he’s thinking. And he doesn’t look pleased.

Well, fuck him and his judgment. I finally remember who the hell I am—an out and proud gay man—and raise my shoulders, smiling at Elijah but not looking at his father. “What brings you two here tonight?”

“Dad burned dinner,” Elijah says happily.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Kade grumbles.

“It was,” Elijah says, nodding his head at me like he needs me to believe him. It makes me smile. The kid is slowly starting to open up more and more in the classroom, and I’m delighted to see it’s carried on outside of school too.

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