The Academy Read online

  Sebastian shook his head. “I’m having another one tonight to celebrate turning in the Monster Paper of Death. Come to it.”

  Nick hesitated. “I don’t know.”

  “You have plans already?”

  “Well . . . no.”

  Sebastian looked heavenward. “I’m not going to beg. If you don’t want to come, fine. But you wanted me to prove to you that I’m not who you thought I was. So, how come every time an opportunity presents itself, you run the other way?”

  A small flame of irritation licked at Nick. “Hey, don’t turn this on me.”

  “It’s on you a little bit, though. I get why you didn’t come to my last party. I pissed you off. But I apologized for that, and I told you what you wanted to know, and you said you’ve seen me in a new light. I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do. How long are you going to keep me in time-out?”

  Damn it, he had a point.

  Nick chewed on his bottom lip. “Will Dante and Theo be there?”

  “Miss your boyfriends already?”

  Nick was about to protest when Sebastian held up a hand. “That was a bad joke, sorry. For the record, I never really thought anything was going on between you and Dante.” He paused. “He is a good-looking man, though. I know straight guys who’ve chosen him as their ‘if I had to pick a dude.’”

  “Right?” Nick whistled. “Hot damn.”

  Sebastian’s expression soured. “You don’t have to be that enthusiastic about it.”

  Nick fought against a smile. “You’re jealous.”

  To his shock, Sebastian nodded. “Yeah. Sorry about that. I know jealousy’s an ugly emotion.”

  “Uh . . . I forgive you.” He paused. “You’re really jealous?”

  Sebastian looked him right in the eye. “I am. Dante’s my best friend. I’d love for him to find someone and be happy. But not you.”

  Nick struggled to think of something to say but came up blank. His heart and his brain couldn’t come to an agreement.

  Luckily, Sebastian’s gaze drifted off a moment later. “I wish I knew why he invited me over.”

  “He invited you? That’s news to me.”

  “I use that word loosely. He told me there was an emergency. I dropped everything and drove straight here.” Sebastian patted the car he was leaning against, which was a sleek black number that Nick probably could have guessed was his by looking at it. “He must’ve wanted me to see you two together, but why?”

  Nick shrugged. “Maybe he likes me, and he’s trying to stake a claim.”

  “Maybe.” Sebastian didn’t sound convinced. He pushed off the car and walked around it to the driver’s side. “So, are you coming?”

  “To the party? Right now?” Nick looked back toward the apartment complex. “I left my stuff at Dante’s.”

  “It’s all school shit, right? You can swing by and grab it tomorrow. If you come with me, you won’t have to hitch a ride or take the bus.” Sebastian pulled a set of keys out of his pocket and pressed a button. The headlights flashed, and the locks clicked. “Can you tell how badly I want you to come?”

  Nice word choice.

  Nick still hesitated, which was funny, considering he was no longer concerned that Sebastian was putting on an act. It was actually the knowledge that Sebastian wasn’t that was giving Nick pause. What Sebastian had said about his parents was real. Visceral and emotional, and it took away a lot of the reasons Nick had used to justify keeping his distance. If Nick went to this party and spent time with Sebastian . . .

  There was a very big possibility he was going to start to fall for him. Could he handle that right now? Giving his heart to someone when it was still in pieces from this past train wreck of a year?

  While he dithered, Sebastian’s face fell in increments. He fixed Nick with a pleading look. “Please say you’ll come. Spend some time with me, in my house, away from this campus. After, if I haven’t convinced you to give me a chance, then that’s the end of that. I’ll give up on you.”

  “I’ve heard that tune before.”

  “I mean it. Please?” Sebastian stuck out his bottom lip. “Pretty please?”

  Nick laughed and tried not to stare at his mouth. “Okay, I’ll come. But only for a little while.”

  “I’ll take it.” Sebastian got into the car.

  Nick followed after him, heart pounding for an entirely new reason now.

  Theo wasted no time getting to Dante’s apartment as soon as he’d gotten out of class and eaten something. When he arrived, he didn’t bother knocking. Dante had texted him saying the door was open. He let himself in, casting one final look back at the beginnings of a beautiful teal and tangerine sunset before he closed the door behind him.

  Dante was seated on the white couch, a pile of flash cards in his hands. He glanced up when Theo entered. “Hey. You got here fast.”

  “I cut the last five minutes of class and wolfed down what was either a late lunch or an early dinner.” Theo tossed his backpack down next to the coffee table and flopped onto the other end of the sofa. “Professor Hopper’s voice is better than a lullaby. I’m still trying to wake up.”

  “Cutting class already? Not a good way to start the semester.”

  “Imagine how bad it’s going to be when we’re seniors.” Theo fingered his phone in his pocket. “I got your text. What’s the big news? I practically jogged here.”

  Dante swiveled to face him on the couch. “Dude, it worked. Like a charm.”

  Theo clapped his hands together. He’d suspected the news would have something to do with Dante’s “study date” with Nick, but he hadn’t known for sure. “What happened? Tell me everything.”

  “Nick came over like we planned, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Well, Sebastian showed up a little after that—also like we planned—and their faces when they saw each other . . . Priceless. I’ve never heard Sebastian trip over his own tongue like that before. I wish I could have taken a video for you.”

  Theo laughed. “Serves them right for dancing around each other. What happened next?”

  “I did what you said and sat a little too close to Nick. Nothing untoward, of course, but when I slid a hand behind his shoulders, Sebastian freaked. He didn’t say anything, but I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his skull. It took everything I had not to laugh.”

  “Yes!” Theo pumped a fist in the air. “That confirms it. Sebastian’s definitely got it bad for Nick. But how did Nick react?”

  “Well, he was happy to see Sebastian, for sure. It was written all over his face. And when Sebastian stormed out of here, Nick went tearing after him. It was like watching a soap opera.”

  Dante’s eyes were bright with mischief as he spoke, and it made Theo a little breathless. He had to exhale slowly and then inhale again before he could speak. “Wow, I didn’t expect our plan to work this perfectly. Sebastian’s been corked up so tight for so long now, I thought he was going to explode.”

  “He did storm off. That’s an explosion of sorts.”

  “Nah, that’s his automatic response to feelings. We can only hope Nick made some headway when he chased after him.”

  “Did you see them when you walked up?”

  “No, Sebastian’s car wasn’t parked on the street where he usually leaves it. What do you suppose went down?”

  “Judging by the sexual tension that was radiating off them, they’re probably headed to Sebby’s place.”

  “Or they might be fighting. There’s no telling with those two.”

  “I doubt it. You would too if you’d seen their faces when they laid eyes on each other. I swear, I thought I heard romantic music swell up in the background.”

  “Good. This whole past week, I was so sick of watching Sebastian flinch every time I mentioned Nick. He wouldn’t come over to watch movies on Thursday like we usually do, because he was afraid he’d run into Nick. Something had to give.”

  Dante’s eyes absolutely sparkled. “Well, it gave
all right. Five bucks says Nick comes to the party tonight.”

  Theo laughed. “Here’s to hoping. If those two don’t do something soon, one or both of them is gonna burst.” He leaned forward and reached for his backpack. “We’ve got a little bit of time before we need to be at Seb’s to help set up. You want to do some actual studying? How much did you manage to get done with Nick before Sebastian showed up?” He glanced at Dante.

  Dante’s eyes were fixed firmly on Theo’s lower back, where he could feel that his shirt had ridden up when he’d leaned forward.

  Theo froze, unsure of what to do. A moment later. Dante’s eyes drifted back to his face. If he was embarrassed about getting caught looking, it didn’t show.

  “Actually”—Dante’s voice was quiet—“there’s something else I wanted to talk about.”

  Swallowing, Theo asked, “What?”

  “Before Sebastian showed up, Nick said you told him you’re interested in someone. Which is weird, because you tell me everything, yet you haven’t said a word.” He wet his lips, and the flash of pink tongue against his brown skin was mesmerizing. “Is there some reason you felt you couldn’t tell me in particular?”

  All the breath Theo had been trying to hold on to left his lungs at once. He eased back into an upright position, thoughts racing. Is this really happening? Does he want me to come out and say it?

  Theo licked his suddenly dry lips. “Dante, I—”

  Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” blared at full volume. Dante cursed before snatching his phone off the coffee table and glancing at the screen. “It’s Seb. He’s probably calling to ask what time we’re going to arrive.” He made no move to answer it.

  Theo laughed, but it came out shaky. “You should get it. He’ll blow up your phone if you don’t.”

  “I suppose.” With his thumb poised over the Answer button, he fixed Theo with a serious expression. “We’ll finish this conversation tonight. Okay?”

  Theo’s heart skipped a beat, but his resolve had never been steadier. “Okay.”

  Nick’s first impression of Sebastian’s third-floor apartment was much like what he’d thought at Dante’s place: Does a college kid actually live here?

  Sebastian’s furniture was all leather, dark wood, and glass. Unlike Dante’s minimalist approach, everything in Sebastian’s apartment was embellished. The white walls were covered in a subtle cream damask pattern, the dining room chairs had high backs like miniature thrones, and in the living room, there were several shelves of leather-bound books the color of red wine. Nick spotted Teleny and Maurice within seconds and had to stop himself from giggling.

  For his part, Sebastian let him in and then stood back, seemingly content to let him explore. Nick examined the books before bypassing the dining room to the left in favor of a balcony dead ahead. Through the glass, there was a charming view of the little city.

  There was also an open doorway to the right—through which he could see a large kitchen—and a hallway, which he assumed led to Sebastian’s bedroom.

  Gulp.

  When he’d finished his tour, he spun around and jammed his hands in his pocket. “I like your apartment. It’s got you written all over it.”

  “Thank you.” Sebastian watched him from his spot by the front door. The arms folded over his chest suggested he was nervous. “I’ve lived here since last year.”

  Nick hated small talk, but he made it anyway. “You’re from Evanston originally, right?”

  “Born and raised. Though I suppose when I graduate, I can live anywhere I want.” Sebastian’s eyes drifted out the glass doors leading to the balcony. The beautiful, clear sky was visible through them. “It’s freeing but also frightening.”

  “I know how that feels. When something changes in your life, and suddenly you have all these options.” He shuffled his feet. “I’m glad I ended up here.”

  “Good.” Sebastian strolled toward him. “We need to get into party mode. Do you drink?”

  “Sometimes. Mostly beer, but on my twenty-first birthday, I bought myself a nice bottle of Scotch.”

  Sebastian smiled, and the rain clouds that’d been clinging to his handsome features were dispelled. “A man after my own heart. But why’d you have to buy your own birthday Scotch? Your friends didn’t want to get it for you?”

  “I didn’t have many friends.” Nick huffed. “Wow, our lives are depressing.”

  Sebastian reached for his hand. “Dunno about you, but mine has been looking up lately.”

  Nick’s breath caught in his throat. He didn’t stop Sebastian from lacing their fingers together, though he didn’t help him either.

  “If I got you a late birthday present,” Sebastian said, his voice soft, “would you accept it?”

  “Yes, since it seems you’ve learned your lesson about forcing gifts on people.”

  “That I have.” Sebastian released his hand and pulled his keys out of his pocket. “I need to go on a liquor run for the party. Since you’re twenty-one, how about we pick out a bottle of Scotch? We can enjoy it together tonight.”

  Nick was admittedly intrigued by the idea, but he still looked at Sebastian askance. “Are you inviting me so I’ll get the other liquor for you, oh twenty-year-old?”

  “Please.” Sebastian gestured at his apartment. “Do I look like the sort of guy who doesn’t have a fake ID? I don’t use it often, since I’m pretty well-known around these parts, but tonight’s a special occasion.”

  “Fair enough. I’m down.”

  They got back into Sebastian’s car, drove to the nearest liquor store, and to Nick’s surprise, had a blast picking out libations for the party. The shop was a little neighborhood establishment run by a jovial old woman whose voice creaked like wood.

  They asked her for advice on Scotch, and as luck would have it, she was a connoisseur. She directed them to a bottle of something that had apparently been aged for twenty-five years and tasted like “joy mixed with charcoal and revenge on everyone who’s ever wronged you.” It was the best sales pitch Nick had ever heard.

  When he saw the price tag on the bottle, though, he felt faint. Sebastian must’ve noticed all the blood draining out of his face, because he said, “It’s my treat.”

  Nick shook his head. “No way. I’m at least paying for half.” Assuming my debit card doesn’t get declined, or run away screaming.

  “This is a birthday present. You can’t buy your own birthday present. Again. Besides, I intend to drink a good amount of this, so it’s only fair I pay. Is that okay?”

  Nick hesitated for a fraction of a second longer before relenting. If Sebastian had pushed the issue instead of asking, Nick might have refused, but it seemed he’d really learned his lesson.

  They loaded up on vodka, tequila, some mixers, plus the Scotch, and then they were on their way.

  When they got back, they set up a party station on Sebastian’s dining room table, complete with red cups and the liquor they’d bought. Except for the Scotch, of course. They squirreled that away in the kitchen, along with some beer, which was stowed in the incredibly well-stocked fridge.

  “Do you cook?” Nick asked. “Or do you have like a maid or something that does that for you?”

  Sebastian paused in the middle of pulling two crystal tumblers out of a cabinet to shoot Nick a wry look. “Let me remind you again that it’s my parents who have money, not me. While they’re paying for college, they’re certainly not going to pay for me to have a maid.” He paused. “Though I do have a cleaning lady who comes around once a month. But she only does light housework, I swear.”

  Nick laughed. “I knew it. Are you one of those grown men who doesn’t know how to do his own laundry? Because if so, I can tell you right now, this isn’t going to work.”

  Sebastian pouted as he placed the two glasses on the kitchen island and uncorked the Scotch. “I know how to do it. Most of the time. I’ll admit some of the intricacies elude me. Like when to use warm versus hot water and what it means when there’s a little
triangle on a shirt’s tag.”

  “That’s bleach,” Nick answered automatically. “If it’s got a triangle, you can bleach it. Unless the triangle is crossed out, of course.”

  “Oh.” Sebastian handed Nick a glass filled with two fingers’ worth of Scotch. “Good to know. Where’d you learn that? From your parents?”

  Nick scratched absently at the granite counter with a fingernail, trying to push down the sadness that stilled welled up in him. “Sort of. My dad learned from my mom, and then he taught me. Laundry became my job, even after I left for college. Dad expected me to come home and do laundry on weekends. For both of us.”

  Sebastian chuckled. “He sounds fun.”

  “Yeah. He was.”

  There was a moment of silence between them, but for once, it didn’t feel uncomfortable. It felt like Sebastian was giving him a moment. Nick appreciated it more than he could say.

  After a while, Sebastian nudged him with his elbow. “I’m sorry. I’d heard that your dad died, but I didn’t want to ask or make assumptions.”

  “It’s okay. It’s been over a year.”

  Sebastian shrugged. “So? Does grief have an expiration date?”

  Nick’s lips twitched up. “According to everyone I talk to, it seems like it. Kinda like how everyone tells you not to be upset about the divorce.”

  “I just thought of our toast.” Sebastian raised his glass. “To people. Fuck ’em.”

  Nick snorted and clinked their glasses together. “Fuck ’em.”

  They took a sip at the same time and then let out identical moans of pleasure.

  “Holy shit,” Sebastian crooned. “I’m going to Mass on Sunday. This restored my faith in God.”

  “While you’re doing that, I’m going to be in bed, cuddled up to this bottle, reading it love poems.” Nick wanted to lick his own tongue so he could get every drop of the honeyed, oaky liquid.

  Sebastian chuckled. “That’s a much better idea. I might join you.”

  It was obviously a joke, but the implication made the air between them sizzle. They looked at each other, and tension sprang up like it’d been waiting for them to let down their guard.