Page 13 of Bad Boy
“After you.”
I crawl into the booth and plop down on the seat, Remi sitting right beside me. I’m a little nervous now that we’re in such a tiny space together.
I lean forward, insert two tokens, and awkwardly press the start button, sitting back as the machine whirs to life.
Remi slings a heavy arm over my shoulder and leans into me, pressing the sides of our faces together and smiling wide. His soft stubble grazes my bare cheek, and goosebumps erupt, traveling down my neck and spreading to the tips of my toes.
I’m frozen for a second as the photo countdown commences.
Three. Two. One.
Flash.
I snap out of it and smile for the next four pictures, grabbing the photo strip as it prints out.
Dang it.
That first one is so embarrassing. I hold it away so Remi can’t see it. I look all discombobulated—awkward and weird—while Remi is so good-looking it doesn’t seem real.
“Lemme see.”
“Let’s redo them.”
“Uh-uh. Hand it over, Preppy.” He holds his hand out and taps his fingers against his open palm. I reluctantly place the strip of photos into his waiting grasp.
He chuckles, not unkindly. “These are good. Just looks like the flash caught you off guard in that first one,” he says, giving me a wink that makes me think he knows I was flustered.
We take another round of friendly, smiling photos. Then Remi reaches over and gently slips my glasses off, folding and setting them on the little ledge in front of us.
“You don’t like them?” I ask self-consciously. I can’t do contacts. The thought of touching my eyeball twice a day, every day, makes me shutter.
“They’re awesome, Linc. Just wanted to try some pics without them, too. So I can decide which look is hotter. But I think it’ll be a tie.” His smile is wolfish, full of mischief, and his eyes sparkle as he awaits my reaction.
“H-hotter? Me? Y-you like guys?” I hate that I’m stuttering around him, barely making sense, because he keeps tossing every expectation I have out the window. And it’s throwing me for a loop.
I’ve had limited positive social interactions my whole life, and now I feel like I’ve been cast into the deep end. His presence is magnetic, all-consuming,devouring. There’s no other way to put it. He’s a force of nature. And I’ve known him all of two hours.
“Yup. Girls, too.” Then he smirks and winks at me, and I know my face is onfireright now.
“I’m bi,” he clarifies.
“You are?” I ask in an incredulous tone. My heart’s starting to race, and my stomach flutters wildly.
“Uh-huh. And you are. . .?” he trails off, waiting for me to fill in the blank.
“Um. . .” I tug at the collar of my sweater with trembling fingers.
Good grief. Why is it so freakin’ hot in here?
I’ve never told anyone my truth before. The truth that I’ve known since I was thirteen.
“Linc. It’s okay—”
“I’m gay!” I shout unceremoniously, tactlessly. My mother would be appalled, probably more about the shouting than the fact that I’m gay. Although, trust me. She’ll hate that, too.
“I’ve never told anyone that before. Ever,” I admit, tucking my hands under my thighs so they’ll stop shaking.
“Wow. Dude, I’m honored to be the first person you came out to. And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” He slings his arm around my shoulders again and gives me a side hug. I melt into him a little, needing the comfort. I wasn’t expecting to come out to anyone today. But I actually feel lighter now, freer.
