How to Engage Your Lab Partner (BoyXBoy)

Chapter Eleven: A First Encounter

He drove me home after school that day. It seemed like a fine idea seeing as he'd driven me to school and I did need a ride, but there was an extra car in the driveway that afternoon.

I jumped from the car as soon as Potter had parked. "You have to go. Now." I kept my voice down to a whisper as I shooed him away, but he didn't move.

"I'm not leaving without a kiss goodbye," he said stubbornly. "I'd like to come in, actually."

I shook my head frantically. "No, no you can't! You have to go!" At that point, I heard the door open and knew it was too late.

"Lenny, who the fuck is in my driveway?" I could practically hear the stagger in her step over the slur in her voice. She leaned out of the front door with a half-empty bottle of wine clutched in her shaking hand, her bloodshot eyes squinted against the afternoon sun.

I swallowed hard. "I-it's nothing, Mama. I'll be right in." I turned quickly back to Potter and mouthed the word leave.

Instead of doing what I so desperately needed him to, he turned off the car and stepped out.

"Mrs. Kransel? My name is Potter Bailey. I'm a friend of your son's."

That was it. He'd done it. I bit my tongue, holding my breath. She opened her mouth and I watched her chest move with an intake of air. With each passing instant, my heartbeat grew louder in my ear. It was coming.

"Hi, Potter. It's good to fleet... meet. It's good to meet you."

What the hell?

"Mama?" I looked at her with my head crooked to the side, but she ignored me.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Kransel." He walked onto the porch and shook her hand, then they were talking and laughing and disappeared into the house.

I shook my head, fighting back tears as I sat down on the porch steps alone.

If only she would talk to me.