Page 105 of Head Over Feels
Heh.Thatwould be pretty funny. “Fine.Goon.”
“Thankyou.”Hedidn’t have to sound so sarcastic.
Felixlifted his tablet again. “ChapterOne.”
IletFelix’svoice wash over me, telling the story of a big bad alien crime lord who goes to a bar and tries to hook up with the human captain he’s been searching for.Therewas a shootout with some other aliens and a getaway in a spaceship, butIfell asleep before any tentacles appeared.
ON THE SCREWFELICIA DISCORD SERVER
ProfXJune9, 8:47am
@everyoneTrent’sabout to be released!QuinnandIare waiting for them to process him out right now.Givehim a day or two to rest and get his bearings.He’llreach out when he’s ready.
Thankyou all so much for your support, emotional as well as financial.IhopeShawnrots in prison forever, but the rest of us created this extraordinary group of friends despite him.Ilove you guys.
CHAPTER28
MALCOLM
JULY
“Congratulations,Malcolm.Howdoes it feel to make such a big commitment?”Lisaseemed pleased, andIfussed with my cane self-consciously.
“Great.I’mpretty happy about it.”
“HowdidFelixreact?”
Insteadof answering,Igazed out the window next to my chair.Darkthunderclouds were rolling in, making the street below appear cold and mysterious.
“Malcolm?”
Irubbed my beard. “Ihaven’t told him yet.He’sbeen... weird lately.”Whichis whatIshould’ve led the session with, butIhadn’t been brave enough.
Hersmile vanished, her lips now twisted together and her head cocked.Lisawas a big fan ofFelix’simpact on my life. “Canyou describe what you mean byweird?”
“It’slike... he’ll be fine, just like he always is.We’llbe talking or hanging out together.Andthen he’ll look at me funny and get up and leave the room.”Igripped the cane with both hands and tapped it on the floor. “I’veasked him if something is wrong and he says no.”
“Whenyou say helooks at you funny, what do you mean?”Lisaasked in an even tone.Ididn’t envy her having to pry information out of me.
Iblew out a breath and a ran my hand through my beard. “Likehe’s... nervous?”Ipulled my hand away and waved it in the air. “Hehas no reason to be nervous of me!”
Lisanodded and tapped her pen on her notepad. “Whendid this start?”
Isquinted at the ceiling. “Aweek or so ago?”
Moretapping.Anominous head tilt. “Whenwas the last time you two checked in with each other about the state of your relationship?”
Mywhole body jerked. “Thewhat?Youmean like, askingFelixif he’s happy?Thatsort of thing?”Ididn’t let her answer. “Becausewe made plans to visit my sister forThanksgiving.Together,Imean.He’sgoing with me.Hisgrandmother is staying with us forChristmas.So, yeah, he’s planning to stick around.”Iwinced at the defensiveness in my tone.
Shehummed a little. “Okay.Haveyou told him how you feel about him?”
“I—”Icrossed my arms. “No, not explicitly.ButIbring him flowers and shit.Takehim out.Candles.”Iwaved a hand around. “Ido romantic stuff all the time.Heknows.”
Igot the head tilt again. “Doeshe?”
* * *
Felix’scar was parked in front of the house whenIgot home.Nomatter how many timesItold him he could park under the carport, he refused, saying theBuickwas more valuable than his car.He’dpark on the street untilIgot home, then he’d run outside and pull in behind me.Iwas considering getting a quote to extend the carport to put a stop to that nonsense.
