“We can share mine,” Vince said, leaning in to kiss Paul sweetly.
“Gross,” Santiago said. “I mean, aw. That’s so… right in front of me.” He turned and eyed Corey up and down but refrained from comment. Corey looked a little disappointed that Santiago wouldn’t be passing judgment on him and ordered an iced tea. He got to me and pretty much ignored me, offering a grunt when I asked for a vodka Sprite. I wasn’t too put out, because I was already plotting how to have him taken out for talking shit to Paul. Only I could talk shit to Paul. No one else.
And it wasn’t until he got to Darren that he showed any interest again. In fact, he probably showed too much interest, widening his eyes, sucking in his bottom lip, almost making me forget what a dickhole he was with how adorable he looked. It was a dissonance I wasn’t prepared for and I almost cooed at him, Helena wanting to wrap up the little gay and make sure he was safe from the world.
And then the adorable look faded and was replaced by pure teenage sex, much more than he’d ever showed Vince.
Darren squeezed my hand tightly.
Santiago said, “Darren, it’s so nice to see you again. It’s been… what? Three months, seventeen days and seven hours?”
“Oh god.” I rolled my eyes. “You fucked the waiter too? Jesus Christ, Darren. Who haven’t you fucked? What is he, in ninth grade?”
“I’m nineteen,” Santiago said, eyes flicking over to me dismissively. “Legal in everything that counts.”
“This is amazing,” Corey whispered.
“You said you’d call,” Santiago said to Darren as he pouted. “But you didn’t. I waited and waited and waited.”
“You didn’t even call?” I asked Darren. “That’s so mean of you. I mean, his mom probably pays for his phone and everything. It’s a shame to let those minutes go to waste. They probably don’t even roll over at all. You’re ruining his family plan.”
/> “Santiago,” Darren ground out. “Maybe now is not the best time.”
“No,” I said. “Now is the perfect time, Santiago. What day care did he pick you up from?”
Darren glared at me. “We’re on a date, boo.”
I glared right back. “I’m aware, bae.”
“A date?” Santiago said. “You told me you didn’t date because it was easier to fuck someone than like them.”
“Wow.” I choked out a laugh. “That’s so deep. Good job, Dare. Seriously. I’m so proud of you. I’m having such a wonderful time. You sure know how to make a boy feel special.”
“What can I say?” Darren muttered to Santiago. “He’s different. He brings out the best in me.”
“Aw, muffin,” I singsonged. “For true?”
“Huh.” Santiago eyed me speculatively. “I guess we all have our fetishes.”
“Fetishes?” I repeated, slightly outraged. “What exactly about me is a fetish?”
“Any appetizers?” Santiago asked. “No? Good. I’ll go put in your drink order and have those out to you shortly. Darren, don’t worry about yours. I remember what you like.” And with that, he spun away in a cloud of Axe Body Spray and teenage self-confidence, disappearing back inside the restaurant.
“This must be so awkward for you,” I said to Darren, barely restraining my glee. “I mean, I know I’d feel awkward if this were me. But it’s not me. It’s you. All you. Ergo, awkward.”
“It’s not awkward at all,” Darren said, though he was slightly red. “I happen to have a very healthy sex life filled with multiple consenting partners. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
“Whore,” I coughed. “Slut.”
“Had,” Paul said.
We both looked at him. “What?” Darren asked.
“You had a very healthy sex life with multiple consenting partners,” Paul said. “Past tense. Because you only have one partner now. Right?” The last word came out razor sharp with a hint of teeth. God, I loved that man.
“Right,” I said, eyes wide. “Totally right.”
“Exactly,” Darren agreed. “My one and only.”