Page 41 of Make the Play
Emerson
Are you volunteering yours?
Jason
consider Freddie and Stella yours, and I your humble servant
The smile breaks free, even as his words still won’t, but that’s alright. Jason doesn’t seem to mind.
Emerson
You should probably be more careful making such generous offers. You never know what someone else’s motivations might be. What if I text you at two in the morning demanding cuddles?
Jason’s reply is swift.
Jason
from me or the dogs?
Emerson reads the message four times, sure he’s misreading it. Jason can’t be flirting, can he? No one has ever flirted with him before. Well, there was one guy in college who constantly tried to get Emerson to wear his jacket, but he always smelled like Spam. This can’t be flirting because Jason is straight. Maybe friends cuddle. Emerson has never had a friend he was close enough with to know, but Jason is a touchy feely guy. That’s probably all it is.
Before Emerson can formulate an appropriate reply, loud voices at the front door draw his attention away, startling him enough he drops his phone on Stella who barks before racing to the door with a wagging tail.
“I’m about to become the replacement human,” Jason laughs.
“Are you gonna let us in or what?” someone yells. “Why is the door even locked?”
Steeling himself for the inevitable awkwardness, Emerson is unprepared for his phone to buzz again.
Jason
you still okay with this? we can do it another night or if you want you can hang out in my room for a bit until youre ready to meet them
The last thing he feels sure about is meeting new people, especially right now. But something about Jason’s easy offer to accommodate his needs without questioning him, or trying to get out of hanging out makes Emerson feel unexpectedly brave.
Emerson
I think I’m alright, if you’re okay with things being incredibly awkward. I don’t think, well, I don’t know if I’ll be much of a conversationalist.
Holding his breath, he waits for the inevitable. For Jason to politely reschedule. It’ll be better than avoiding him.
Jason
thats okay Alec talks enough for everyone
he means well but he’s kind of like Stella
Emerson
Are you comparing your little brother to a dog?
Jason
definitely
When he looks up it’s to find Jason with a smug grin. Before he knows what’s happening Jason is yelling, “Hey Alec, did you know you’re like Stella?”
“Open the door and say that to my face, dick face.”
