Page 68 of College Town

One of the many, many knots in Lawson’s stomach loosens at the glimpse of real affection – even admiration – on Tommy’s face.

“She’s got a boyfriend. Really nice guy.” Lawson nods. Then says, “She doesn’t miss your brother at all.” Just to see what sort of reaction he gets.

Tommy isn’t fazed. “She shouldn’t. Noah turned into a real jackass.”

Lawson snorts. “And you didn’t?”

“I was always a jackass. Noah used to be nice.”

Lawson starts to laugh – and then catches himself. Feels truth settle down deep inside him, weighing him down somewhere in the pelvic region.

Tommy quirks a lone brow, a trick of which Lawson’s always been jealous.

Throat aching, face flaming, he chokes out, “No. You were a sweet kid.”

Tommy’s face goes blank.

“Something else made you mean.”

Tommy stares at him a long, long moment. Then shakes his head. Attempts an indifferent expression that Lawson sees right through. “This?” He gestures around them.

“Yeah,” Lawson says, seriously. “This.”

Tommy holds his gaze a long moment, then ducks his head and starts poking at chicken again. “Yeah. Well…”

“Tommy.”

Tommy’s head snatches up.

“Does anyone call you that anymore?”

He stares at Lawson owl-eyed, then slowly shakes his head.

“Because you don’t like it?”

“It’s not…professional,” Tommy says, airless.

“Yeah,” Lawson says, feeling brave, “but do you like it?”

Tommy stares some more. His chest lifts on his next breath. “I like when you call me that.”

That’s…something.

Lawson clears his throat, and says, “Do you want me to call you ‘Tom’ instead?”

Tommy wets his lips. Shakes his head. “No.”

“Okay.” Lawson drains his wine, then grabs the bottle and refills his glass. He feels braver. Stupidly. “Do your dates call you ‘Tom?’”

Tommy freezes. “What?”

“Your dates. Do you date? Ever have the odd Grindr hookup?”

Tommy blushes.

“Is that a yes or a no?”

“Law…”

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