If I saw that speech in a movie, I’d be all finger snaps and “you go!” But I don’t feel that way at all. “I could give you the ride of your life?” Really?

I may have just outed myself in the least welcoming time and space I can imagine without having been here long enough to first gain general goodwill. If Frohmeyer hears the details, I’m out for sure. And for what? It’s hardly a way to make Chaz feel better about being gay. If I’d just been smart enough to let Gordo knock me out, maybe I would have ended up back home.

Chaz is still standing there with Tawny. I’m expecting an angry face or a fearful one. But it’s like he’s seen fireworks for the first time: His face is lit with wonder. Tawny has to drag him away. As for me, I just flee.

I am in such a mood. I don’t want to go back to my room and risk exposure to Ernie’s newfound puppy-like enthusiasm. My cutlery job doesn’t start for another half hour, but I head for the shop anyway. If nothing else, arriving early means I can score a table by the window; if I am meant to squander my youth in service of plasticware, I can have a better view. I suppose this will not increase my productivity, but there won’t be any pleasing Gordo today, no matter what. Maybe we can just pretend not to see each other.

What I do see is Buckman walking Leeza into the lower level and looking both ways before ushering her into his office. The shades are already down in tryst-ready fashion.

I cannot possibly come up with a convincing excuse to go knock on that door, but I can’t leave Leeza there. I don’t know if I’m a white knight or an idiot as I approach the shop. I hesitate for a moment, hoping I’m not about to interrupt anything that will scar me forever. I know that Leeza may be furious with me, and I hate to risk that, but if #MeToo taught me anything, it’s that friends don’t let friends get played by lecherous older men. I can get one thing right today.

Taking a deep breath, I turn the knob.

Or I try. Buckman may be lecherous, but stupid he is not. The door is locked.

I have no choice but to leave or knock. I knock, making up a lie as I wait for them to open the door. I will tell him that Gordo and I had a fight, and maybe I shouldn’t be on cutlery anymore. I know this means I will end up in the broom shop, which sounds even worse, but Leeza needs me—even if she doesn’t know it.

Nothing.

I knock again.

Inside the office, I hear a phone ring and ring.