Page 94 of The Incredible Ordinary

“Language,” Milán says. “Homework. Bedtime.”

Rory rolls his eyes. “Whatev?—”

“I’m making a list of chores,” Milán says conversationally.

“I already have a list of chores,” Rory says.

“I know,” Milán says. “But hear me out. I can make it longer.”

They have a short, silent battle of wills.

“We’ll be twenty minutes,” Rory says.

“Actual twenty minutes,” Milán says. “Every minute that goes over twenty means an extra day of bathroom cleaning duty.”

“That’s unfair,” Rory says.

Milán glances at his watch. “What do you know? The first minute already started. Would be a shame to waste all your allotted time on arguing.”

For a moment, it looks like Rory figures it’d be worth it, but then he glances at Theo, his shoulders slump, and the two of them hurry away.

I raise my brows at Milán. “Impressive.”

He snorts and shakes his head. “If only.”

We look at each other and smile.

The anxiety that has been cornering me for days quiets. What’s left is a feeling of… safety. No racing thoughts. No tension. I’m in the eye of the hurricane. A temporary calm. A moment that allows me to breathe.

“I want to talk about the thing,” I say.

Milán’s lips quirk into a small smile, and he gives me a nod that looks reassuringly calm. “You gonna tell me why you’re being weird now?”

I sit down on the steps, the way we usually do, and drag my hand through my hair, taking a moment to prepare myself.

“The pretend kiss,” I say. It sounds pathetic. I’m too old to get this freaked out over something this small.

He’s still and quiet. Waiting.

“I’ve…” I say, and then I get stuck, not sure what to say or how to explain what I’m feeling or why I’m feeling the way I am.

I look up. Face him. “How did you know you were into men?”

He blinks for a moment while he processes the question. His eyes move in quick flashes as he takes me in. Eventually, he sits down next to me.

“A drunk kiss at a high school party,” he says, looking thoughtful. “On a dare. The night ended with a handjob in the bathroom and a healthy sense of curiosity for more. Kind of difficult to argue with that.”

I nod slowly while I digest that.

I could go for a handjob in the bathroom.

Or not.

Would I?

My skin prickles at the thought, covered in intense sparks of electricity I haven’t felt in a while. Maybe ever.

I press my lips together and try to think while I clutch the back of my neck. “I’ve been having these thoughts. Feelings. Lately. Ever since you and I…”