Page 49 of Prince of the Palisades

“Clue,” Lo says with very little enthusiasm.

“An ’80s classic,” Karan explains. “Plus, it’s bonus prep work.”

“I’m only watching for costume ideas,” Lo mentions.

I half-turn to Reiss. “You’re okay with this?”

He’s not in the play. And he’s a movie enthusiast. I’m sure there are dozens of other films he’d prefer to watch.

But his eyes light up in the dark. “Are you joking? It’s a cult classic. They don’t make comedies like this anymore.”

“Okay.” I wiggle around until I’m comfortable. My knee brushes Reiss. He doesn’t flinch away. Instead, he presses back, and a smile curls my lips. “Let’s watch.”

He’s right. The movie is hilarious. I can’t stop laughing into my food. Snorting at someone falling over or screaming. Every character catches my eye, even Yvette, despite her questionable French accent.

“They filmed at a mansion in Pasadena,” Reiss narrates.

He does this every few minutes. Offers little anecdotes. Excitedly drops information about the director’s shot choices. Describes how scenes come together. In the wash of bluesand whites from the screen, his face glows like lightning, eyes crinkled, mouth stretched into a nerdy grin.

It’s hard to look away.

“Ooh! Andthat.” He points again. “All the secret passages connect to rooms exactly like in the board game. The attention to detail is—”

“Some of us,” Karan says loudly, leaning forward, “didn’t ask for the director’s commentary version.”

Reiss shrinks, cheeks flushed.

Lo giggles. “You know how bad he geeks out about this shit.”

“I’m doing character study here,” Karan grumbles, eyes forward like there’s going to be a quiz after the credits roll.

I nudge Reiss’s shoulder, voice low as I say, “What else?”

The flutter in my stomach when his crooked grin returns is intolerable.

“Well…” To avoid Karan’s wrath, he scoots closer. Warm breath against my ear. “See their clothes? They’re purposely wearing outfits that don’t match their names.”

It takes everything not to shiver. Since when has talking about wardrobe been so…attractive?

I clear my throat. “That’s…interesting.”

It’s nice. His unguarded expression. His shoulder pressed to mine in the dark. The way we both laugh when Karan tosses nachos at us. Reiss’s hands in constant motion as he talks, an anxious tic I’ve picked up on.

I can’t help myself. The dopamine high is too strong. While he’s going on about another one of the film’s nuances, I reach out. Grab his hand. He stops midwhisper.

Panic freezes my muscles. Did I read this wrong? Was I too impulsive, like always, or should I have asked before—

He fits his fingers between mine. Squeezes gently with a timid smile.

I let out a soft breath.

We stay like that until the lights come up.

“So,” I say, “I’m playing a queer-baiting character?”

“Wrong,” Lo answers. “He didn’t identify. Just because he has a wife doesn’t mean he’s not bi.”

“Or pan.” Karan munches on a spring roll. “Like me.”

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