Playing Both Sides

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

Ken’s weekend evaporated. English class on Monday grew bearable because he sat next to Joel, who exuded an almost magical allure. Danielle sat at a far end with two girls, but on Wednesday, Danielle arrived at class before Ken, saving seats for him and Joel. She repeatedly spied on Ken, yawning often in exaggerated boredom. He yawned back. As the instructor’s droning ended for Friday’s class, Ken and Joel chatted as the other students left. Danielle headed for the door and glanced at Ken. He wagged his eyebrows before facing Joel.

A moment later, Danielle stood before them, wearing a nervous look. “Hi, Ken. Remember me? I’m Danielle. We have a very boring English class together at Community College.” She smirked.

Ken leaned back. “Danielle, Danielle, I know that name.” He motioned for her to sit, sexually agitated by being close to a hot guy and attractive girl. “Danielle, this is Joel.”

They nodded to each other, and she sat.

“Is class about to start?” She stuck her tongue out.

Joel elbowed Ken. “She’s a wise-ass.”

They all laughed, and Danielle shook her head, sending her sexy hair wagging.

“I’m really shy and withdrawn. I use the wise-ass to cover it up.”

They smiled, none talked in the awkward jousting between potential lovers. Ken shivered inside with excitement.

Danielle broke the silence. “Uh, Ken, I told my girlfriend how neither one of us has a car, so we can’t get married just yet.” She let her hand touch Ken’s.

Joel stood. “I’ll going to my bike. See you there Ken.”

Ken grabbed his bud’s shirt. “No. Stay. Who’s going to protect me from Danielle? You know girls have cooties.”

Joel plopped down in his seat.

Danielle slapped Ken’s arm. “You’re bad!”

Ken screamed in mock pain. They all fell into laughter, rocking back and forth, hands touching arms and shoulders. The instructor scowled as he left.

Danielle groaned. “That teacher is an ass. You guys are so funny. So, Ken, my friend said it could be good if you and I went to Movie Tuesday on campus in the auditorium. Have you gone?”

Ken shook his head.

She beamed. “This coming Tuesday, they’re showing the old movie Mamma Mia. I’ve seen it a dozen times. There’ll be time for me to get a bus home.”

Ken took a quick gaze at Joel. “Yeah, Danielle. Great idea.”

Joel sat silent.

Danielle jumped to her feet and pecked Ken’s cheek. “Great! Let’s meet in front. Seven.”

Ken grinned up at her pretty face and draping hair with her eyes peering through.

Danielle patted Joel’s hand. “Will you come, too? Please!” She stretched the word out.

Joel offered a polite smile. “No, I don’t want to intrude.”

She wrapped an arm over each guy’s shoulder. “Pleeease. Intruding is if it’s your idea. This is mine. I need protection from all the dragons that fly around campus, and Ken needs protection from girl-cooties.” She leaned her head into Ken. “Make him go with us.”

Ken looked to Joel. “Go with us. It’ll be fun.”

Joel conceded. “Okay. Meet you in front.”

“Wheeeee.” Danielle skipped out, blowing kisses to the guys.

Ken stood and adjusted his boner. “She’s so lively and sexy.”

Joel palmed and repositioned his c**k as he glanced down at Ken’s package. “Yeah, she is, too.”

Ken led the way out, wondering how gay Joel could be if he got excited over Danielle.

Joel pushed him into the doorway. “Gosh, I’m sorry.” He sucked his lips in. “I’m glad we met. Can we go biking again tomorrow? It’s Saturday!”

Ken warmed inside. “Yeah, that’d be good.” He took a deep breath for courage. “You’re cool. I like being with you.” He hoped it didn’t sound silly.

Joel’s eyes widened at the comment, and they headed to the bicycle rack. “I told Dio about you. He said I can bring you over to the house sometime.”

Ken nodded. “Dio sounds cool. I’d like to meet him.” He tucked his lips between his teeth and wondered when he started doing that. It was Joel’s habit. “I have the same work schedule as last week. I can make sandwiches again.”

Joel shook his head. “No, I feel bad taking the guy’s food. He’s helping you. He shouldn’t have me as a burden, too.”

Ken’s joy deflated.

“Damn, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I just meant—”

Ken whined. “I feel like that, too, but Mr. Hellerstrom, my boss, said we all need help sometimes. He said a lot of food gets thrown out in restaurants. He almost begs employees to take it home.” He placed a hand on Joel’s shoulder. “I’m just sensitive about my situation and how crappy my life has been. I feel lost. I know you didn’t mean what you said in a sarcastic way.”

Joel draped an arm over Ken’s shoulders, sending a happy chill through him.

Ken stole a glance into Joel’s deep blue eyes. Joel caught him and locked his gaze on Ken.