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Iinside at its contents Beer Beer Beer Beer Half-ee juice Beer More beer Styrofoam container of who-knows I lean my head in further, and that’s when I spot a six-pack of some off-brand soda behind all the beer I snatch one, then let the fridge door shut as I crack open the soda and take a casual sip My feet carryarea, which loops to a short front entryway, and then back to the living room

And on this side of the living roole that lines up with the short hall leading to the bathroom—where I notice that the door is wide open I stare at that door for a while Doesn’t his stepdad, stepbrother, andwith the door open? The can of soda hangs fro and druoon, I can’t help but reflect on PE class this whole past ith Toby changing right next to h school, we took showers after PE At Spruce High, we don’t—not that they even give us enough ti ym class? And ould it be like if we did?

What would it be like if I was showering next to Toby, nothing between us but steam, water, and soapsuds? What would happen?

The second I have the thought, the water cuts off I hear the swish of a shower curtain, a huff of annoyance, and then a softly spoken whisper Is he whispering to himself? I rush up to the mouth of the hallway, but keep h to listen I hear: “… don’t be weird, don’t be weird …” What is he going on about? I leanhiot this He’s just … oh, crap, do I not have any underwear? The hell? Ugh, Lee, you idiot This is my drawer” A drawer opens A drawer shuts “It’s official, I hate the world, and the world hatesthat No, go this way No, thiiis way”

I shake my head Toby’s so damned neurotic

My eyes catch sight of Winona on the couch, whose head has popped up again She’s staring at me with this weird, accusatory look I frown at her Go back to sleep, Winnie Stop judginga peek in the actual bathroom

The next instant, Toby whips out froht for the kitchen, shirtless, wearing just a pair of loose white basketball shorts with a wide, royal blue stripe down the sides Froe I notice in his butt and the way the s to it, I’d say he was unsuccessful in finding any underwear I listen to hie in the kitchen for a while before I push away fro room, and put myself under the archway Toby is bent over, the top half of hi

And I stare right at his cute ass, enjoying the view, as I take a big swig of my soda Hell, now I almost don’t want to alert him to my presence Why ruin this moment?

Toby sighs soe “Did Lee take one?” hestart lettin’ the team drink soda?”

Alright, fine, I give “Helped myself, actually,” I announce

Toby straightens up so fast, he thwacks his head inside the fridge, shouts out, then rubs it with a scowl as he yanks hiht you … you were …?”

I liftit a shake “You offered, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes, I did, right I just—” He crosses his ar shirt”

Or underwear, but he doesn’t need to know I know “Who needs a shirt?” I counter “It’s hot as hell out there Adown my back You don’t need one”

“Oh Well, there’s a fan you could’ve—” He bites his lip, gives the fridge a rab himself a soda “Anyway, everyone’s asleep, except my moo back out?”