Cameron sat up in bed, instinctively pulling the covers up to his neck. “Okay, but seriously. What are you doing here so late?”
Bradley sighed, “A pipe burst at my place. Maintenance is fixing it right now, so I can’t shower or anything. I was hoping I could crash here for the night.” He lifted the bag in his hand, which apparently contained pajamas and toiletries.
Cameron stayed put in bed, eyes narrowing. “You still have keys to this place?”
“Not keys,” Bradley explained. “Fingerprint access. Sorry about that.”
Cameron nodded slowly. “Fine. Are you planning to take over my room or use one of the guest rooms?”
“Guest room, of course,” Bradley said with a smile.
“Cool. Take your pick then,” Cameron said with a nod, still watching him carefully.
Bradley noticed Cameron just sitting motionless on her bed. He couldn’t help walking over to her. “You feeling okay?”
Cameron’s skin prickled when she saw him approaching. She’d messed up big time. Not only had she forgotten to lock her bedroom door, but she also hadn’t bound her chest. It would be awkward if Bradley noticed.
“Brad, I’m fine,” Cameron said quickly.
But Bradley was already standing right in front of her. He reached out, his palm resting against her forehead–normal temperature. “What’s bothering you?” he asked.
“Nothing, just tired. Don’t feel like moving,” Cameron said, then added, “Brad, it’s getting late. You should get some rest too.”
“Cameron, if something’s wrong, you can tell me,” Bradley said. “My brother’s a doctor. He might be able to help.”
Cameron shook her head. “Brad, I’m seriously fine. Can you please leave now?”
“Sure thing.” Bradley backed out and politely closed the door behind him.
The first thing Cameron did was leap off the bed and lock the door.
Standing outside, Bradley heard it loud and clear. The easy smile he usually wore vanished completely.
‘She’s keeping me out?‘ Bradley thought. ‘We’re both guys, what’s the big deal? Or is Cameron starting to hate me? But why? Just yesterday he was all excited giving me that mountain bike. Is it because I didn’t accept it? Or something else entirely?”
Bradley was completely lost. He ended up staying in the bedroom next to Cameron’s, tossing his toiletries onto the table with a sigh.
‘Burst pipe? That was such a lame excuse, Bradley thought. ‘Whatever. As long as it gets me to stay here for the night.‘
Meanwhile, Cameron locked her door immediately, then rushed to the bathroom to put on her chest binder. Only then did she feel safe enough to get back in bed, turn off the lights, and sleep.
*****
Cameron slept in until she naturally woke up. After freshening up, she finally ventured out of her room. The moment she opened her door, the smell of food hit her.
“You’re up?” Bradley sat on the couch watching a crime show, his golden–rimmed glasses framing eyes that crinkled with amusement as he looked at her. The TV was completely silent.
“Morning, Brad.” Cameron nodded, then frowned. “Why’s the TV muted?”
“I can follow the subtitles just fine,” Bradley replied.
Cameron grabbed the remote and turned the volume up. Bradley stood, jutting his chin toward the dining table. “Breakfast just got here.”
“Thanks,” Cameron said, heading to the table.
The spread was massive. Cameron picked up a glass of milk and sipped it slowly. Bradley grabbed his own glass ar joined her.
“We don’t have to be at school until evening,” he said. “Any plans for today?”
“Nothing specific.” Cameron shrugged.
“If you’ve got nothing lined up, why don’t we go Before Brodity could finish his sentence, Cameron’s phone started ringing.
