Page 93 (1/2)

“Thanks so“It really means a lot to me Your son is the best costar I could ask for”

My htfully as she speaks to him “I would say you’ve had a really … positive effect on ht even be a fully genuine one “I’m splendidly surprised at the close and powerful relationship that’s grown between the two of you A strong bond, indeed”

Despite ht be a hint of a smile on my own face as I hear her say those words For so of chemistry now, of electrons and covalent bonds, and hoo elements can depend so deeply on one another to make a miracle—like how sodiuives every Michelin star cuisine in the world its flavor

Are we that miracle?

Then again, hydrogen and fluorine erous acids known to man That could just as well be us, too

“Relationship?” blurts O in cheerily

He was in a conversation with Kelsey Now he’s not

And neither is anyone else Tyrone has lifted his eyebrows to us, curious Toby’sher lip My ly Toby’s face turns its usual cherry color

To put everyone out of theiran ar hiuess it’s obvious now Toby and I are boyfriends We’re in a relationship It’s official … or whatever”

Toby turns his s face tomy lame choice of words

Kelsey leads a very unnecessary applause, which no one joins in with Instead, Tyrone nudges Omar and mutters, “Knew it,” as my mother smirks at me, as if proud to have unveiled our secret She’s certainly taken a coave me back my bike For a moment, it almost feels like it used to between us, back in the day when she had ht future for me

It’s an hour later before we’re finally freed froeneral I take Toby back toto face his stepbrother and stepdad We sit by my pool under all the stars and riff back and forth about everything that could have gone wrong in tonight’s show Toby is practically delirious now that opening night is past us and all the social obligations are over with I don’t think I’ve ever seen hier next to mine I take his hand He turns his face and s lazily between the loungers

“I was really proud tonight,” he e with you”

“I’ forward to tomorrow’s performance”