Page 48 of Pride High

They’d spent over an hour together, listening to some of the silliest music he’d ever heard. The best part was how easy she was to talk to. Not only did Silvia get most of the references he made, but now he had a list of new music that she’d recommended. And he didn’t have to risk a single dime to find out if he liked any of it. All he had to do was hang out with her at the record store. She’d made the offer, and he loved the idea of taking her up on it.

But he also felt despair because he understood now why Omar was so obsessed with her. Anthony couldn’t see that changing. Silvia was pretty, smart, and fun to be around. How could he ever compete with that? And why did his stupid heart think that he could, when it was downright impossible for him and Omar to be together. Unless he could magically become a girl. Anthony was taken by the thought until he felt the mattress shift next to him.

He opened his eyes and it was like his dreams had come true. Omar was climbing on top of him. Sure, his tongue was hanging out the corner of his mouth and his eyes were crossed. And yeah, he held himself above Anthony like he was doing a push-up, instead of letting their bodies sandwich together. But it still felt nice to be this close to him. Anthony made no effort to shove his friend off or do anything aside from stare up at him. That is until Omar started bucking in impatience, making the entire mattress shake.

“What kind of drugs did the dentist give you?” Anthony asked when finally pulling the earbuds out.

“Nothing good,” Omar said as he rolled off to the side and ended up on his back. “He filled two cavities. I hate my life.”

“That sucks,” Anthony said, propping himself up on an elbow. He noticed the way that Omar’s shirt had pulled away from his shorts, exposing a thin line of bare stomach, and tried not to stare. “At least the weekend is here. Are you spending the night?”

“Yeah, I might,” Omar said. “I wish I could call Silvia and see what she’s up to, but she won’t give me her stupid phone number.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I called the record shop and got some guy instead, so I hung up.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t go straight there after your appointment.”

“My parents wanted to go out to eat. Besides, I was still numb and dribbled all over myself during dinner. I figured that wouldn’t impress her much. The shop is closed now anyway.”

“Huh. Well I managed to swing by.”

Omar sat upright. “You did?”

“Yeah.” Anthony pushed himself up, sitting cross-legged while facing his friend. “There are some new releases coming out this month that I can’t wait to hear.”

“Yeah, yeah, music is great,” Omar said. “What did you think ofher?”

“Silvia?” Anthony gave it thought and decided to be honest. “I really like her.”

“You do?” Omar’s relief was transparent. “That’s great! I was worried.”

“How come?”

“Because I want you guys to get along. You’re my two favorite people.”

Anthony felt it was awfully premature for her to be given that status. He’d known Omar for basically his entire life! She hadn’t even known him for a month. But of course Anthony was flattered that his opinion mattered so much. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. She’s cool. We get along just fine.”

“Awesome. Hey, I need your advice actually. I promised Silvia that we’d do something special tomorrow.”

“And you need me to explain how the birds and the bees work?”

“Ha! Notthatspecial. But I can’t do Archie’s and a movie again. Can I?”

“Probably not,” Anthony said. “Hmm… How about the Nelson Art Gallery?”

“Too classy. I don’t want her to realize that I’m an unsophisticated baboon yet.”

“Good point. Better save that for the wedding.”

“Maybe we could do the Plaza though,” Omar said without seeming to hear him. “Some expensive shops and a fancy restaurant. That should impress her.”

Except, having met Silvia, she seemed just as down to earth as they were. “I bet Westport would be more her speed,” he suggested. If the Plaza was pop music, then Westport was alternative rock. Secondhand clothing stores, head shops, ethnic restaurants, tattoo parlors… Silvia would love it there.

“You think?” Omar asked.

“Yeah, but you’ll need a ride. Want me to ask Mike to drive you?”

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