They walk me downstairs and wave me off like they’re sending me on a cruise, instead of just over to Jack’s room to watch a weird movie. It doesn’t matter that this is the first time we’re hanging out together alone, I insist, and they nod at me, knowing I’m full of crap.

They text me encouragement throughout my short walk in the sharp cold.

bone town! Taylor says.

TAYLOR, Katherine says.

I grin. Probably not boning. But I did like kissing him, a lot. My stomach does a little dip, nervous and excited and nervous around and round. It’s not entirely unpleasant.

I am a little bit shifty as I wait by the front desk for Jack to come sign me in, pretending to examine the bulletin board and hoping I don’t see Gavin or Christopher. Nodding back at the students passing by who nod and smile and give me a thumbs-up, students who weren’t there but who must have heard about the club. And it’s thrilling. I should be worried that so many people seem to know, but honestly—it’s cool.

Rumors spreading, I tell the group, smiling as I type.

we’re underground legends, Taylor says.

oh i like that, Katherine says. i have never been a legend.

The elevator dings, and I look up to see Jack’s face light up when he notices me. After he signs me in, we do an awkward shuffle but finally manage a hug. “You smell very good,” he says, stepping back, guiding me into the elevator.

“You do too!” I say. “Do you know what you smell like?”

“I have never considered it seriously,” he says.

“Vanilla and laundry. Clean laundry,” I rush to say when his eyebrows go up a little. “Laundry detergent. Good! You smell good.”

Oh, I am so awkward, but he does not seem to mind.

“Good,” he says. “I am glad you like it.”

When we reach his room, he opens the door and lets me go in first. The overhead light is off, so the room is dim, the desk lamp throwing a circle of warm yellow light, and he leans down to press a kiss against my lips, the corner of my lips, and smile at me. Another kiss on my cheek, and then he is all business, taking my coat and explaining that his roommate is out with his girlfriend, so I can just use his chair, which is pulled up to the desk. He jumps into his own chair to peer at his laptop.