Page 38 of First Kiss with a Mothman

“To be honest, Arie…”

“I know, she’s just looking out for me. I’m her disabled son living on my own for the first time. She comes from a caring place.” I rattle off the list. “I’ve heard it all before. You don’t have to say it.”

“I was actually gonna say you deserve to throw that ass around and have fun. Be free, liberated, and slutty.”

At this, I almost spill my drink as I bust out in hysterics. Seth is great.

“If you need anything, Tanner and I can help you out.”

“Thanks, man.” I take another sip and listen as patrons walk in and out of the café.

“And I’m sure your best buddy, Mort, can help you out, too.”

I freeze up, mid-sip, and I bet Seth can tell. “You okay?”

“Mhm!” I squeak.

“Is Mort a touchy subject?”

“No.”

“Is Mort not touching you enough?” He giggles, and I bite back a smile.

“Nothing like that.”

“Oh, shit.” His voice grows serious, and he leans in. “Is he being inappropriate with you?”

“No!” I laugh softly. “Why does everyone think that?” I ask quietly.

“Because anyone can be taken advantage of, Arie. I respect you and your independence, but you are in a more vulnerable state, and you’re new to the U.”

I nod; Seth isn’t wrong. “He’s been really great. Helping me out.”

“He’s never gone out of his way to spend time with anyone the way he has with you.”

“How do you know that?” I ask.

“I know everything,” he whispers conspiratorially, and we both chuckle. “Someone told me you had a whole day trip.”

“We may have gone out hiking. As friends.” Friends who kiss, sometimes.

“To Stokerbram Park?”

I shoot him a quizzical expression, and he continues, “You’re not the first couple to go to those romantic gorges and waterfalls and get it on right after.”

I shrug and reply, “It…wasn’t romantic.”

“Aw, too bad.”

My face warms. All the drama threatens to spill out of my heart, and I desperately need someone to talk to about all this. I don’t even care if Seth is the school gossip; he’s my only confidante right now. I lean forward and whisper, “Even though I want it to be.”

“I see,” he replies in a tone of understanding.

“And he…told me that he’s attracted to me.”

“And clearly you’re smitten with that grumpy frat bug.” He takes a sip and asks, “What’s the problem?”

“He refuses to have a relationship.”