Page 17 of Perfectly Wrong
“You like architecture and design?”
I shrug. “Never thought about it on that level. I want to flip and restore houses. I thought the business degree might help.”
“Oh yeah.” She nods, smiling. “I think that sounds so cool. I love watching design and renovation shows.” She touches my hand. “Look, we have something in common.”
I smile, avoiding her eyes for a moment. “We do, but um, Trinity?—”
“You can call me Trin.”
“Okay, Trin, um, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I, uh, —”
“Oh god. You have a girlfriend, don’t you? I should’ve known. You’re way too hot to be single. I didn’t even ask. I’m sorry.”
“No, I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Oh.” She tilts her head. “Then what is it? I’m not your type or something?”
“No, you’re not, but only because you’re a girl.”
“What?” I see the understanding settle on her face. “Oh. You’re gay.”
“Yeah.”
She sits back in her seat. “Well, shit, Tristan.” Then she laughs. “I would set my sights on a gay guy.”
“Sorry.”
She shakes her head. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Please don’t be. It happens all the time. I guess I don’t come across gay.”
“Not at all. You’re really good looking.”
“Thanks. For the record, I’m flattered.”
“Cool. Well, we can still be friends, right?”
I smile. “Absolutely.”
A couple of weeks later,I roll over and pull the blankets back from Trin, passed out beside me as usual. The TV is still onfrom last night. I rub my forehead before crawling out of bed to pee and come back.
She opens her eyes, blinking up at me. “It’s cold.”
“Because I took my blankets back. Just cuddle.”
She moves into me and I spoon her. For anyone walking in right now, they’d assume we’re a couple even though we’re both fully clothed at the moment. Friends typically don’t share the same bed, but in the short time I’ve known her, Trin has become my closest confidant. Today I want to tell her about my obsession.
After lying together for a while, we both get up and shuffle to the kitchen. I sit at the dining table of my tiny apartment while Trin starts a pot of coffee for us. Once that’s going, she sits across from me, pulling her knees to her chest.
“It’s snowing. What do you want to do today? Movie?”
She nods. “We should work on our homework too.”
“Yeah.” I run my fingers through my hair. “I’m struggling with one of my classes. Two maybe.”
“We can work together.” She pats my hand. “I got you.”
“I know.”
