Page 44 of I Think They Love You

“Relatable.” Denz motions to the cup in Braylon’s hand. “More tea?”

“An herbal blend.”

“Ooh, there’s more than one kind of dirty leaf water?”

“Has anyone told you what a dick you can be?”

“Multiple,” Denz says, catching a glimpse of Matty through the window. Speaking of. “I forgot to mention earlier, but… I’m not gonna date or, like,whateverwith anyone. While we’re, you know.”

“Fake-dating?”

Denz smirks. “You’re learning.”

“Me neither.” Braylon tugs at his collar. “Not that I was. You know. Dating anyone.”

“Atlanta men aren’t as hot as the Brits?”

“Hardly.” Braylon looks away. “I’m invested in my work, that’s all.”

“Sounds boring.”

“And here I was worried you wouldn’t approve.”

“Always here to invalidate your love life,” Denz says.

The corners of Braylon’s mouth twitch higher.

“BTW…” Denz raises his phone to show off the various online platforms the nonprofit uses. “Who handles your social media? It’s grossly ineffective.”

“It’s a collaborative effort!”

“Hmm. You were never good at group projects.”

Denz stares at his screen. Skye’s the Limit’s online presence is like the vanilla milkshake of company profiles. Nothing offensive, just… there.

“All of you should be fired.”

Braylon’s laugh is a soothing noise. It hits Denz like a cold shower. Memories of nights on the grassy terrace between the Miller Learning Center and the Fine Arts Building. From talking for hours instead of sleeping. Kissing instead of studying.

It takes all Denz’s focus not to shiver.

“Sorry we can’t all be social media gurus like you,” Braylon says.

“It’s a shame.”

“Our five thousand followers aren’t complaining.”

“Because they’re either bots or people who get joy from watching grass grow.”

Braylon scowls. “You little shit.”

“Argh. Come here,” Denz demands after one last glance at the sad grid.

Under Crema’s black-and-white awning, where the natural light’s better, he poses Braylon near the door. A Pride flag hangs inside the glass. The vibe of the entire block is small-town-neighborhood-tucked-inside-a-big-city realness. Wide sidewalks, whimsical shops. The perfect backdrop for a cozy movie.

Denz arranges the cup in Braylon’s hand so the logo is visible. He adjusts Braylon’s messenger bag too. Branding is everything.

“What are you—”

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