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sliding the pad from one to the other as each added to the
storyline; JJ soon lost track of the details.
Their server came to the table a couple of times to inquire
if they needed anything, and JJ became conscious that they
were table hogging. But no way would he interrupt the budding
friendship between his two friends to tell them they needed to
leave. JJ mentally added a few extra dollars to the tip.
Eventually Steve stretched and announced he needed to
use the restroom. JJ noticed how Milton s gaze followed Steve out
of the booth and toward the rear of the diner. JJ turned to Maggie
50
and shook his head when he saw that she was about to speak.
Can I keep these? Milton asked, flipping through the
sheets of paper he and Steve had drawn on. I might be able to
use some of the ideas for my project.
Sure, keep the whole pad, Maggie said, smiling and
taking JJ s hand and giving it a squeeze.
Thanks. I think the story has changed, developed. It s too
early to tell for sure, though.
Maggie nodded and bit her lip.
We done here? Steve asked once he d returned to the
table.
Think so, Maggie said, gathering up her purse, coat, and
hat.
Steve shook his head.
It s a woman thing, JJ mouthed silently.
Steve nodded and smiled.
They stood at the register, Steve putting up a protest
when JJ insisted it was his treat.
I ll buy next time, Steve said.
Outside, as the foursome stood on the sidewalk, the
weather started to close in.
A woman is always prepared, Maggie said, wrapping the
scarf around her neck. Unlike you. She fingered JJ s light
jacket.
Yes, dear, JJ said, taking her hand. See you tomorrow
for football? he asked Steve. The Cowboys are playing the
Giants.
I think I might go to that comic convention tomorrow,
Steve said. Turning to Milton, who d placed his hands in his
armpits, he added, Want to go with me? Might be fun.
Uh, yeah. Thanks, Milton said in surprise.
You should take your drawings and maybe you ll be
discovered.
Yeah, right. Milton chuckled.
You never know, Neil Gaiman will be there.
Uh huh. Milton smiled.
Come on, we ll walk to the subway together and hash out
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the details. Jeeze, Milton, you look frozen. Here. Steve
unzipped his quilted jacket and laid it over Milton s shoulders.
Well, Maggie sighed, watching the two guys walk away,
the rest is up to them.
JJ nodded then turned to Maggie. What do you want to
do now? We could hang out at my place, but my dads are home
and&
My folks are away all day. Maggie smiled. So I thought
you could come home with me& and collect your reward.
You mean& ? JJ asked, not daring to hope.
Maggie stood on tip-toe and kissed JJ on the mouth. I
love you. It s time.
JJ pumped his fist in the air. Yes!
THE END
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ABOUT DREW HUNT
Having read all the decent free fiction on the net Drew
could find, he set out to try his hand at writing something himself.
Fed up reading about characters who were super-wealthy,
impossibly handsome, and incredibly well-endowed, Drew
determined to make his characters real and believable.
Drew lives a quiet life in the north of England with his cat.
Someday he hopes to meet the kind of man he writes about. If
you re that man, or even if you re not, Drew would like to hear
from you drew@drew-hunt.co.uk. Visit him online at drew-
hunt.co.uk.
ABOUT QUEERTEEN PRESS
Queerteen Press is the young adult imprint of JMS Books
LLC, a small press specializing in queer fiction, non-fiction, and
poetry owned and operated by author J.M. Snyder. Visit us at
queerteen-press.com for our latest releases and submission
guidelines!
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