Read Hot Off the Press (Ridgemont University Book 1) Page 22
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Simon watched Zuko’s every minor change of expression as he sat reading the story at their favorite restaurant. He hoped that Zuko would be happy with what he had found, and how he had presented the story. It was important that the truth came out, Simon knew that, but in the end, it was still Zuko’s story, and Simon wanted his approval before he published it.
Zuko read with a serious expression. He breathed deeply as he finally reached the last paragraph, and looked up at Simon. “This… this is it, Simon. They can’t deny it any more. Thank you for doing this. Thank you for writing this. Even if they come after me, and I expect them to come after me, it’s time for us to stand up to them.”
Simon smiled self-assuredly. He had grown closer to Zuko over the past few weeks, texting him regularly and meeting for coffees and lunches. He had remembered how close they were in high school, how he had always looked to Zuko as both a protégé and an example of the courage he hoped to have.
“Zuko, you have always been the bravest person I know. You never backed down to bullies, even in high school. You were always so open about being gay, and always going after guys you were attracted to even if you faced rejection. I could never be like that. I don’t want Conrad Riley and his father to take that away from you, to make you scared to be yourself fully. You shouldn’t have to hide from people like that.”
“I know, Simon. I don’t plan on hiding any more. My only question is, why do you think that you could never be out and open too? What’s holding you back?”
Simon considered the question for a bit. He had never really thought about it in detail before. “I’m… scared. Scared of what will happen if I go for it and if it doesn’t work out. Scared of what will happen to my future if I run into people with as much power as Professor Riley who also happen to hate others for being gay. And I tend to be attracted to the wrong guys. Like Ian.”
“Ian Peters? The editor of the Weekly? I knew it!” Zuko exclaimed, excitedly. He grabbed Simon’s hands across the table. “He’s been flirting with you for months. I could see it all the way back on that first day I saw the two of you together, at the rally for Harry Baleka. The way he looked at you. The way he touched your shoulder. Simon, I’ve had some fun romances, but I’ve never had a guy look at me quite like that yet.”
“What do you mean? How was he looking at me?”
“I don’t know how to say this, Simon… He’s clearly in love with you.”
Simon almost laughed when Zuko said this. He couldn’t possibly be serious. “You can’t tell that from a look, Zuko. I know he feels close to me, but I wouldn’t use the L word.”
“I’m telling you. All of those books and movies I watch have taught me something, and that’s to recognize the signs of love.”
Simon felt like Zuko was being ridiculous, but he decided to change the subject to avoid any further embarrassment. “I’m pretty sure his heart is with someone else, unfortunately. But anyway, I’m on my way to see him tonight. I told him that I’ve finished the story and he said that he wants to read it immediately. I better get going. He’s waiting at the office.”
Zuko smiled knowingly, and Simon could read his mind. Everyone was an expert on his love life. He hugged his friend warmly and said goodbye before heading over to the office to see Ian.