Sex, Love, and Videogames by CJane Elliott

Author:CJane Elliott [Elliott, CJane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-08-06T00:00:00+00:00

AFTER PETE left the next morning, Jed decided to take himself out for breakfast. He didn’t have a class until one and didn’t feel like working out so he stuck his latest Men’s Fitness in his backpack and rode his bike to Higher Grounds.

As he chained his bike in front of the coffee shop, he glanced at the posters and notices tacked up on the wall. A striking poster caught his eye, and he stopped to study it. Belong in the World was spelled out in rainbow colors over a bright globe set against a stormy, dramatic sky that faded into stars and the moon. Underneath the graphic was information about an event being held at Higher Grounds to support funding for a local LGBT center for teens. He pulled out his phone and made note of the date and time.

It heartened Jed to know he wasn’t alone in Charlottesville as a gay person. Obviously he wasn’t, with Pete and Aidan Emery’s merry band of unicorns living out and proud, but he didn’t feel a part of them and their outrageousness. And there was something about seeing the presence of LGBT people acknowledged on the community, grass-roots level that excited him.

He pushed open the door, stopping to breathe in the fragrant aromas. Stepping up to the counter, he nodded at the barista and ordered a large coffee. The artist collective in the back was humming with activity. There had to be at least ten people sitting at the tables and doing something with markers and poster board.

“What’s going on back there?” Jed asked as the barista, a tall guy with hipster glasses, handed him his drink.

The barista glanced behind him. “Don’t know. There’s gonna be a rally for gay rights or something. Maybe they’re making posters.”

“Oh.” Jed realized he hadn’t ordered anything to eat. “Also an everything bagel with cream cheese and lox.” His gaze returned to the artist collective and he did a double take. That cute black guy from Lucky’s was there—either him or his twin.

Aha! He knew that guy was gay! Go talk to him, his helpful voice said. Why? his reluctant voice said. I’m already seeing Pete. His sarcastic voice chimed in: Right, like that’s working out so well.

As Jed stood, eyes on the Lucky’s guy (Charlie, supplied his helpful voice), listening to his internal debate rage on, he realized Charlie had raised his head and was gazing in his direction. Jed felt his cheeks warm and was about to wave, shyness be damned, when the barista thrust Jed’s bagel under his nose. By the time he took it and directed his attention to the back again, Charlie had turned away and was listening to a girl with a red buzz cut who was leaning over his shoulder and pointing to something on the table.

Forget it. He wouldn’t even remember you. All Jed’s doubts rushed in, and the reluctant voice won out.

“Wrap it to go, please,” he told the barista, handing the bagel over. But as

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