Page 71 of Tongue-Tied
My chest feels achy and raw. “Of course.”
We start walking along the shore in virtual silence, and I’m okay with that because my head is a mess. I need to figure out why it bothers me so much that Austin gave some guy his number when that was our goal all along. Yes, we’ve had hot, intimate moments, but we never pretended they meant anything other than Austin getting more experience.
When I feel his fingers tangle with mine, my pulse spikes, but I don’t resist. I welcome it. Fuck, I need it right then like I need my next breath. We hold hands and walk for a good while.
On our way back, Austin asks, “Was there something about Toby that bothered you? Like red flags or?—”
“No, and that’s not for me to decide.” I steal a glance at him. “This is your opportunity to go out with a cute guy, and I don’t want to take that away from you. You deserve it.”
He dips his head. “Thanks.”
I try to put myself in his shoes and consider how he’s feeling. “Are you nervous about it?”
“Maybe a little.” He tugs on my hand. “But mostly that you’re going to feel awkward and pull away from me.”
“Never.” Right then, I decide I need to suck it up and get over myself. “I want you to go for it.”
28
AUSTIN
I feel sort of sick to my stomach that I gave Toby my number, but I don’t know why, other than it might be a real date with a guy who surprisingly approached me first. It’s exactly the way I’ve always pictured it, so why do I also feel guilty despite Dex encouraging it? It must be because of my growing, confusing feelings for my best friend. Our experimenting makes me daydream about him, so maybe going out with someone else is a good thing.
If it even happens at all. Just because I gave a guy my number doesn’t mean he’ll follow through. Been there, done that.
I have a full day of classes and work, which helps keep my mind on other things. So when my cell buzzes with a text in the dining hall, I’m surprised to see it’s from Toby.
Coffee date?
I snicker mostly because of nerves but also because I work at a coffee shop, not that I told him that. Still, it’s not a bad idea. It’s better than a three-course meal or movie, especially if it doesn’t go well.
Dex is sitting across from me, chatting with Milo, but I still hide my phone in my lap. Sure! Where do you want to meet?
How about Cup of Joe?
I breathe out in relief that it’s away from campus and any prying eyes.
Sounds good.
After we set a time to meet tomorrow, I blink in shock that I actually made a plan.
“You okay?” Dex asks, and I realize I’ve been lost in my head for who knows how long.
“Yeah, I just… I’ve been texting with Toby. He asked me on a coffee date.”
“That’s good, right?” Dex’s expression doesn’t change, but I do notice him clenching his jaw.
“Sure, I guess…”
“You’ll do great.” His smile is tight. “I bet it’ll be fun.”
“Or at least a good story to tell,” I tease, and he nods.
“You did good, Dex.” Kael lifts his hand to high-five him, but it seems halfhearted from Dex’s end.
“I don’t deserve any praise,” Dex says. “Austin did that all by himself.”
“You helped him with his self-confidence,” Kael replies.