Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“It’s not just that. Have you ever heard of Mu Mu Phi?”
I shake my head, but John nods. “They’re a fraternity on campus, right?”
“Yeah. Except they’re not just any fraternity. They only allow bisexual members.”
“Wow! I didn’t know we had anything like that on campus.”
“Me neither!” Mari exclaims. “It was…shocking, to say the least. I didn’t even know that kind of thing existed, let alone here on campus.”
“Bisexuality is more common than you might think,” John comments. “Of course, there’s still a stigma surrounding men being bisexual. Because of that, it’s harder for men to come out. I’m glad there’s a community on campus where people can be comfortable with their sexuality.”
“Me, too,” I agree. “I think people have an easier time accepting women who are bisexual, so it was hard for me to come out. It took my parents a while to come around, and I don’t share my sexuality with everyone I meet because of the possible blowback I might receive.”
Mari puts a hand on each of our arms, as if to console us. “I’m sorry. I had no idea it could be so difficult for you. I’m still learning…”
I squeeze her hand. “And you’re doing a great job at learning. Maybe you can revisit that fraternity sometime to learn more.”
She laughs. “They invited me to come back and to bring my boyfriend next time. I might have accidentally mentioned having more than one boyfriend. I mean, not that I think…I didn’t use that word…”
“You can call us boyfriends,” I interrupt quickly. “And in turn, we’ll call you our girlfriend.”
Mari’s face brightens. “Really? I was worried…”
“We know the situation is complicated, but the words fit. We want this to be exclusive. It may not be conventional, but it’s a real relationship.”
“Thank you,” she says quietly. “That makes me really happy to hear.”
“Too bad we can’t come to the next frat party with you, and not just because our relationship is complicated. Even if John weren’t your teacher and we weren’t under the radar, it would still be weird for guys our age to show up at a frat house.”
Mari giggles. “I know. That would be kind of weird. I wish you could go, but I think it would make the guys uncomfortable. I will go back and talk to those guys, though. They can probably teach me a lot.”
“I bet they can. Just remember: you’re ours.”
“I know – I’m yours, and you’re mine.”
My heart pounds in my chest. There’s heat between the three of us that is probably palpable to the entire restaurant. To keep from acting on it, I abruptly change the subject.
“How were your classes today? Anything of note happen?”
Mari shrugs. “Not really. It’s a Monday, so I feel like nothing interesting ever happens. Most of my professors are trying to get back into the swing of things from the weekend. Students, too.”
“I know how that feels. I’m one of those professors.”
“I’ve noticed,” Mari jokes. “You make class fun, though. I enjoyed the lecture today.”
“That’s good. It’s hard with a class that size to keep things interesting. I’m doing my best.”
“You’re doing a great job! You keep me interested.”
Mari blushes at her admission. It’s good to know she’s paying attention to John while he teaches. I suspect this relationship helps keep her intrigued, but then again, she always seemed to be taking notes even before we started things up.
“Good, I’m glad,” John smiles. “Even if you’re the only one paying attention.”
“What about me?” I laugh.
“You don’t count.”
Pouting, I retort, “Whatever. Jerk.”
At my reply, John squeezes my knee again. I love his little moments of affection like this. He doesn’t touch me in public often because administrators could be anywhere, and we don’t want to risk being caught. But here, we’re safe. The restaurant is nice, but it’s on the touristy side. That’s why we picked it. Most NYU people wouldn’t be caught dead in a tourist spot like this.
With that, our table goes quiet in a relaxing, comfortable way. I like that we can sit together and be silent without it getting awkward.
I use the opportunity to take in the scene. I have a fantastic boyfriend and a fantastic girlfriend. There’s something to be said about hope. I didn’t have much of it before, but now that I’m with John, I find myself hopeful all of the time. It pays off, too. Like with Mari.
This moment is perfect. I hope we can have a million more just like it. Being out in public with these two makes me the happiest man in the world. There’s nothing I want to change right now.
“I read an interesting article the other day,” Mari says, breaking me out of my reverie. But I don’t mind it one bit. Talking to her and John is the highlight of my week.
“What about?”
“It was talking about how high schools focus on symbolism in literature and why that might be the reason kids hate reading.”