“Dude can’t compliment another dude without it being a thing? Grow up,” Theo laughs.

I laugh with him. He’s right, though…as much as I hate to admit it, I specifically picked out this outfit in hopes that a certain someone might show up tonight.

I’m wearing a white T-shirt under a ribbed, navy, long-sleeve button-up—left open, of course—and a pair of black jeans. I know Caleb would like something like this. It’s so similar to what I wore the night at Sweeties club. My mind flutters back to that damn bathroom stall.

I’m glad Theo is here. He keeps my mind from spiraling. I’ve been trying to push Caleb out of my thoughts, but that’s hard to do when everything reminds me of him.

Then I hear it. As we step through the door to the rooftop patio, we walk into a crowd. It’s packed.

But all I can focus on are the lyrics floating through the air—and more importantly, the voice singing them.

“Holy shit. They’re good,” Theo shouts over the music.

“That’s him.” I say, eyes locked on the stage. I can’t look away. He looks incredible. His long black hair falls in his face, his chest bare and glistening with sweat under his open black shirt, swaying in the breeze. He runs a hand through his hair, flipping his locks to one side as he tilts his head, swaying to the music while his fingers pluck at the strings of his guitar. I nearly crumble right then and there.

I step to the side for a better view, and Theo follows.

“Holy shit. You didn’t tell me he looks like that.”

“I guess I left that part out,” I mutter, stuffing my hands in my pockets. Suddenly, I’m wildly nervous. Caleb looks like a nineties heartthrob, and here I am. Why did he ever like me? He could have anyone he wanted. No wonder he hasn’t called me back.

“Hey. Get out of your head,” Theo says, gripping my shoulder. I glance at him, trying to ground myself in the present.

“Sorry,” I grimace.

“He’s lucky he got a chance with you,” Theo says, pointing at me. He’s standing close—really close—and I laugh, grabbing his arm instinctively. Ever since I came out, I’ve realized ‘straight’ Theo is surprisingly touchy.

I glance back at the stage and breathe in. Caleb’s gaze is locked on us. He grips the mic, and I instinctively shift away from Theo, sliding his hand off my shoulder.

“What?” Theo asks, following my stare. “Oh.” He grins, standing taller. “I think I’m making your boyfriend a little jealous,” he teases in my ear.

“Jesus, Theo. Stop,” I mutter, turning away, looking for anything else to focus on.

“I’m gonna find us some drinks. Don’t get yourself into too much trouble,” he says, patting me on the back.

I nod and walk over to a nearby ledge, staring out at the city skyline. Caleb’s voice wraps around me, and I close my eyes, letting the lyrics wash over me.