Out of Character (True Colors 2)

“You’ll always be my jock,” I said fondly to him. And that was also true—he still smelled deliciously of sporty aftershave and I still got to hear way too much about what European soccer players got paid and which teams had the best chance at a World Cup. And sometimes he’d lift weights and get all sweaty and… Yeah. Still my jock. Swoon.

“If you want to kick the soccer ball around later, we can do that,” Conrad offered. Between his asthma and Milo’s leg, it would likely be a low-key thing, but they’d done that a couple of times in the park when we’d met halfway between our neighborhoods. “Let Alden play Jasper for the game episode.”

Milo stretched, flexing his leg out in front of him. “I’ve got a couple of kicks in me.”

“I might join you guys, work off this beer.” Kellan rubbed his stomach. Milo hadn’t had a drink since winter. We didn’t really talk about it that often, but I added it to the list of things I was super proud about for him.

“I can feel it. Today I’m going to win against Alden.” I pumped both fists like a boxer promising victory.

“Not likely.” Alden spoke factually, not the sort of trash talk that Conrad and I excelled at. And probably also literally because he usually did win, whether we were playing casually at their apartment or with Professor Tuttle for the show.

“I believe in you.” Milo saluted me with his water glass.

“Thanks.”

“Who needs more food?” Professor Herrera brought over a big platter of sausages and grilled vegetables, and Milo was first to leap up to help him arrange the food, as always. Thanks to Milo, I already knew the location of every specialty grocery store near us as well as exactly what size chicken our tiny oven would hold.

“I’m stuffed. But I’ll help with dishes,” Milo said, moving so Professor Herrera could pull up a chair. “And what’s the deal with the flyer on the fridge? You looking to replace me so soon?”

“You? You’re irreplaceable.” Professor Herrera gave him a fond smile.

“I agree.” My loyalty got a round of groans from everyone else at the table who was tired of us being so adorable. They could just deal with us being so in love. I’d waited forever for something like this, and I wasn’t wasting it.

“Actually, we enjoyed having Milo so much that we’ve decided to add a renter or two this fall.” Professor Tuttle tapped his cane against the patio.

“The Gamer Grandpa expansion pack. I dig it.” Kellan sat back in his chair with one of the sausages in a roll we’d brought with us from the city.

“They don’t have to game.” Professor Herrera laughed. His continual bid to get Professor Tuttle interested in different hobbies had been the source of great stories when Milo had been living with them in the spring.

“They don’t?” Conrad faked horror.

“They will learn,” I said all ominously to big laughs.

“Goof.” Coming around the table with his empty cup, Milo dropped a kiss on my head.

“You love me.” Tipping back in my chair, I gazed up at him.

“I do.” His eyes were as serious as ever about that. He could joke a lot more easily now, but never about that. And I never got tired of hearing it, either. “Now go win your game for me.”

“Yes, dear.” I pretended an obedience we all knew I’d never reach.

“Are you staying here or at Jasper’s parents’ place?” Jasmine asked as she grabbed one of the cookies.

“Jasper’s mom may not let him out of her clutches the rest of the weekend,” Milo groaned as he rested against a planter near me. He could pretend irritation all he wanted, but personally, I couldn’t wait to be alone in my old room together. I’d waited almost a decade to kiss Milo Lionetti in there, and I was going to enjoy the opportunity. Quietly. Very, very quietly because April still delighted in teasing us. Mom, however, had adapted to us being together quite well, making it her life’s mission to keep Milo supplied with recipes and food storage ideas.

“And Milo’s mom?” Jasmine’s ring caught the sunlight again. I wanted one. Not the cookie. The ring. Maybe with less glitz. Someday. Timing wasn’t there yet. But someday.

“Brunch on Sunday,” Milo answered. Between our two moms, we were going to be so stuffed when we rolled back into Brooklyn Monday. But happy. We’d be happy. “We’ll see her again in two weeks when Bruno’s in town as well.”

“And I’m going to win against him too,” I announced. Bruno was a damn good player. Ruthless. But I’d snuck in a few wins against him on his visits. He said that when we went to Virginia to see his base that he might let me play against some actual SEALs. I couldn’t wait.