I Want To Kiss You In Public by Zelda French

Author:Zelda French [French, Zelda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: A Gay Coming of Age Romance
Publisher: Zelda French
Published: 2020-06-15T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

THE ONE THAT SAYS M&M

“WHAT IS THIS even about?” Tony says, whining.

Two weeks after Paquin gave us the assignment, Tony and I are spread over two tables at Colette’s small library. Turns out Lucie ditched me to do the essay with her Spanish buddy Chloé, and I’m stuck to Tony to write about the most difficult book I’ve ever read. At least Tony agreed we would get more work done if we weren’t at his house, where —almost— every distraction in the world could have tempted us.

I glance up at Tony. “What did you say?”

“What’s the book about?”

“I thought you read it.”

“And I thought you were smart.”

“I’m not.” I say, shrugging. “I’m not smart.”

I’m definitely, definitely the worst idiot that’s ever lived. I know it. Otherwise, I would be doing the essay with Michael, and I wouldn’t be so miserable all the time. Miss Eugénie is right. Guess that makes sense since she’s probably older than the Titanic. That’s one consolation. If I get as old as Eugénie, I’ll be a very miserable, but very wise schmuck.

“Don’t I know it.” Tony empties a whole bag of gummy bears into his monstrosity of a mouth.

It’s difficult to do any work around Tony, but even more difficult today. My head is in shambles, after another series of restless nights, filled with chaotic dreams. It’s not enough that I see Michael every day again. He won’t leave my nights alone either.

The next person who utters the word fling, I will murder with my bare hands.

Tony chews for a long time then swallow noisily, earning himself a glare from one of the librarians.

“Oh.” He slaps his tummy. “Oh fuck. This one won’t go down easy. I shouldn’t have had the extra big mac for lunch. Should we text Lucie?”

“Why?”

My bad mood is swelling by the second. I wish he’d just shut up, I can’t think with all his chatter.

“Because this is boring, Lou, this is shit, and I’m bored, and you look dead inside. So, we could text Lucie and ask her what she’s doing.”

“She’s at Chloé’s and they’re probably halfway through the essay already.”

“Oh, and where are we?”

“You only wrote the title, Tony. And you wrote it wrong, too.”

He looks down at the copy. “Shit. Sorry.”

While Tony scratches off the title Wurstering Highs, humming to himself Everything is Average Nowadays, and I smile despite myself. No matter how annoying he is, I love him, and I’d do anything for him. And I did.

I did. I know it because I’ll never be happy again.

The price to pay for the alternative was too high. Nothing is worse that watching your people leave you behind without a look back. I know I was right to cut any ties with Michael. And even more right NOT to do the essay with him, and his curls, his blue underwear and his British accent.

Tony elbows me, his nose once again buried in his blackberry. “Lucie’s done in about half an hour.”

“What? God damn it, Tony, we’ll never be done in half an hour.

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