Page 54 of Bookish Boys Don't Date Social Girls
When I glance at my friends, I can see they’ve already figured it out.
“Because of this.” Ava’s face is pink, and she hides her face in her hands. “I’m so sorry, Sam. We are literally shaming you over it. Have we learned nothing?”
I cock my head and consider her and Bek’s embarrassment. “Actually, this is perfect.”
They squint at me and Bek asks, “What do you mean?”
I purse my lips, trying to compose my thought so it doesn’t come out as jumbled as it is inside my head. “I want to create a comfortable place for people experiencing shame to feel safe. But I’ve noticed it can also go too far. Sometimes, people become oversensitive and feel they are being shamed over the smallest things.”
Ava shakes her head. “But I was being a total jerk about you reading. How does that make you oversensitive?”
“It doesn’t. And the reason I haven’t shared my new hobby with anyone is because I knew people would give me a hard time. I’ve never been a reader. I was the first to admit it. And my social personality doesn’t lend itself to being studious or even bookish. But,” I raise an eyebrow and wag a finger in the air. “There has to be some grace in the situation as well. And that’s what you just showed me.
“Sure, I could’ve felt shame because of the things you said. And, honestly, a month ago, I would have. But now, because a spotlight is shining on it, I’ve witnessed others become over-sensitized to shame. I see now that it’s important weinclude an educational aspect of forgiveness in our #NoMoreShame language. We can’t expect every person we meet to be sensitive to our needs or what might trigger us. Bullying and cruelty are wrong and unacceptable. But there is an aspect of teasing or joking that either requires forgiveness or edification.”
Bek pats my hand. “I hope you write that book, Sam.”
“Can you believe that?” I bury my hands in my hair. “They want me to write a book! That’s nuts. I’ll have to talk to Lincoln about it.”
“He can negotiate the book deal for you,” Ava says.
“Oh, that reminds me. Can you guys help man the booth at the street fair on Labor Day?”
They all nod.
“Thanks so much. I’m super nervous about it and it’ll help so much to have all three of you there.”
Just then, a kid steps up to the table. Her cheeks are already red, so I know she’s outside her comfort zone by approaching us. She’s so small, she looks like she belongs in middle school. I don’t recognize her, so she’s probably a freshman.
“Hi,” I say brightly.
“I’m wondering where I can get a shirt.”
“We sell them on the website.” I point to the URL on my shirt, only slightly embarrassed that I’m pointing to my boobs.
She pulls out her phone and types in the URL. I see her eyes scanning before she looks up and smiles. “Thanks.”
We watch her leave and Ava sighs.
“What?” I ask.
“It’s super great that there is so much interest, but we are going to be really busy fulfilling those orders.”
“We? With school and your work schedules, I’ll be lucky if you guys help ship anything!” I grin as I look around the room. “But that’s okay. Ines and Lincoln can help. Bridget will probably help, too. And believe it or not, Mom and Dad havebeen pitching in with things. And we have a growing list of volunteers to call on if we need to.”
“Aw, this is really bringing your family together, huh?” Ava asks.
“I think it’s a combination of this and the wedding. We have so many reasons to spend time together, suddenly. It is nice though. I wish Cisco and Justice could be here, too.”
“Okay, now to address the elephant in the room.” Ava gives me a significant look.
Bek scans the lunchroom. “There’s no elephant.”
“Thank you, Bek,” I say.
Dylan chuckles while Ava squints at Bek. “The elephant being Brent. What’s going on there, Sam?”
I shrug. “Clearly nothing.”
