Out of Character (True Colors 2)

“Did you know dicing and mincing are not the same?” Smiling shyly, he handed me a soda.

I blinked at him, adjusting my future vision from earlier to include lots of trips to the grocery store. “I do now.”

“Okay, you two. Tell me about this car of Milo’s and what you’ve found on the internet already.” After putting his reading glasses on, Professor Tuttle pulled out a fancy pen and a little notepad, exactly like this was one of his seminar classes.

Milo explained the whole history of the car, its year and make, and the prerestoration condition. He then launched into everything that had been done to it as well as how he maintained it. It was a lot, and I was staggered by how much Milo had put into the car himself, not simply assisting his dad. I wanted to tug on his sleeve, to ask him if he was absolutely certain he wanted to part with this car, but I’d promised not to talk him out of this. If Milo thought selling was the right call, then I was going to support that, even as I marveled at this side to Milo I hadn’t really seen before.

“So anyway, the heater’s really the only drawback, but it’s functional and a top-of-the-line part. Oh, and it’s clean. I’d detail it again before selling—”

“You could perform surgery in the back seat,” I joked.

“We don’t need to know how you’ve seen the back seat,” Kellan tossed back.

“Gentlemen,” Professor Tuttle gently reminded us that he was still there, taking notes. “I think what you’ve found is accurate as far as asking price. But go up a few thousand. Let the buyer talk you back down. And I agree about asking the collector who’s storing your brother’s car. However, I also know a few collectors myself who won’t haggle with you too much. Can I make some calls?”

I liked how Professor Tuttle asked instead of telling. I was trying to get better at that myself. Milo seemed to like that, too, nodding thoughtfully. “Yeah, I’d appreciate it. I need a fast sale. And not just because Bruno’s coming back. I can’t keep crashing with Jasper in the dorms.”

“Yes, you can.” I’d go to bat with the RA myself before I let Milo sleep in his car or something else drastic.

“I don’t want to get you in trouble.” Milo’s eyes were serious.

“That’s a good point.” Professor Herrera stroked his chin. “I think I might have a temporary solution.”

He and Professor Tuttle did some sort of longtime-couple-communication magic with their eyes before Professor Tuttle pronounced, “Brilliant idea. I concur.”

“We have a spare room—”

Milo held up a hand. “I can’t impose like that on you guys. You’ve been so nice already.”

“Oh, this isn’t me being nice.” Professor Herrera’s eyes sparkled like he was holding a winning card and knew it. “The room is full of boxes. Boxes that I need removed if we’re going to have more guests. And since we moved our room downstairs after Gus’s fall, I’ve had a list of furniture I want rearranged, but I can’t do it on my own. Trust me, I’ll make you earn your keep while you’re visiting.”

“I could do that,” Milo allowed, licking at his lips. The hope in his expression made my chest hurt. I wanted him to have so much more than a safe place for a couple of nights.

“I can help. I’m good at moving stuff.” I patted his biceps. “Maybe not as good as these muscles, but I can help, spare Professor Herrera’s back.”

“But only until I find something more permanent.” Milo remained somber, regarding all of us like this were a treat that might be yanked away. “I don’t want to take advantage.”

“Are you going to assist in eating all the odd recipe experiments Julio dreams up?” Professor Tuttle turned toward Milo, merriment sweeping across his craggy face. “You’re not taking advantage. You’re exactly what we need.”

“Me too,” I added. And he was. He was exactly what I both needed and wanted.

“Dude, I’m not sure whether to ask for a group hug or text Jasmine and tell her about the new epic levels of adorableness reached tonight. Maybe both.” Kellan chuckled as he grabbed another cookie. “And I’ll come help tomorrow with box-o-palooza. We can do an assembly line.”

“Wow. You guys don’t have to help me.” Milo darted his gaze between us, still looking wary, like the offer might evaporate any second.

“We want to,” Kellan and I said in unison.

“Thanks.” Under the table, Milo tapped my foot with his.

“Did you want to stay tonight or did you have…plans?” Professor Herrera raised an eyebrow in my direction as he spoke to Milo.

Milo glanced at me. We weren’t as skilled at the whole wordless conversation yet, so I spoke up. “He has plans.”

“But tomorrow.” Milo had turned a delightful shade of pink at the mere implication of sleeping together. “We can’t expect your RA to ignore us forever.”