𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐖 - Louis Partridge/ book 1, 2, & 3

11: MY Boyfriend

Lucas and I are sitting cross-legged in the hallway, sharing a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. We got along pretty well. He came from Chicago and was offered a scholarship here in Weston.

"Stick on your side." He reminds me as I lower my head for another bite.

"I bought it!" I debated. "Lucas, do you have a celebrity crush?"

"Yes, of course," Lucas says. He raises both eyebrows. "Who's yours?"

"I don't have one now. But I remember having a crush on Zac Efron."

"Me too! I had a crush on him in seventh grade."

"I had a crush on him in eight!"

"Of course you did. Everyone did. In the simpler days, you'd either have a crush on Troy Bolton or Austin, from Austin and Ally. They're like Betty and Veronica. Austin is Betty and Troy's Veronica."

He pauses, "Wait, do you have a boyfriend?"

A meek little "yes" from me. I never actually told or admitted to anyone that Louis is my boyfriend. In fact, I actually never talked to anyone about it.

"You're so lucky."

"Lucky how?"

"You're a model and you've probably had a ton of magazine covers. You'd have a lot of boys lining up just to impress you. In short, you're lucky you have...options." Lucas shudders.

He stares off into space moodily. I look at him and forget that we just met like 40 minutes ago. It must be so hard for him.

I touch his hand, "One day, all of the boys will line up in front of you. One day, you'd be in a world wherein you're most valued."

"You'll have so many options." I chuckle.

"Everyone will fall in love with you because you're beautiful in every way. Remember that."

He smiles and his moodiness flew away, "Thanks for the speech."

I grabbed his hand and stood up, "Now, let's go and watch the basketball game."

"Is your boyfriend there?"

"Yup, he is."

"Is he that perfect!?"

I chuckle and we skipped our way to the gym.

The gym was packed with people, mostly girls.

"So, where is he?"

"There!" I point to Louis.

"That's Louis Partridge! He's your boyfriend?"

I nodded hesitantly because I wasn't comfortable calling Louis my boyfriend yet.

"I saw him on Medici."

"Great show, right?" I yell, over the loud crowd that was cheering.

After the game, I introduced Lucas to Louis. Louis was all sweaty and tired.

"Hello, I'm Louis." He says, offering Lucas a handshake.

Lucas left as soon as his mom called him. The school's empty and it's just me and Louis in the locker room. He's changing and took a shower. I told Aunt Julie that I'd be late for dinner because Louis and I are eating at the diner. Telling her that I'm waiting for Louis in the BOY'S LOCKER ROOM, would make her think differently.

"He came from Chicago?" Louis yells from the shower.

"Yeah. He got a scholarship."

"He's smart, then?"

"I guess."

He goes out with a sweatshirt on and pants as he dries his damp hair with a towel.

"Do you like him?"

"No!" I denied.

"He's gay. And he's been feeling sad about it."

"I'm certain that if he asks you for advice, anything you'd say would help him."