Chapter 9

He smiled instead. “Thanks, Micah. You’re a great friend.”

* * * *

Micah smiled as he stood at the window of his mother’s kitchen. Outside on the patio, Linus was talking to Micah’s dad. They were both looking at the bright red and purple bougainvillea vining up the patio trellis.

Micah’s mom came up behind him and looked out. She smiled. “I like him, honey. Very handsome. Seems nice.”

“He is nice.”

“Your father and I were happily surprised when you said you were bringing him. We were afraid you were never going to settle down with a boyfriend.”

Micah’s eyes widened and he shook his head rapidly. “Mom, no. Linus is not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend.”

His mother frowned, then bit her lip. “Really? The way you talked about him and the way you’ve looked at him ever since you two arrived, I was sure.”

Micah squashed down his sense of panic. “Look at him? Y-you can tell?”

She searched his face. “I thought I could. Am I wrong, honey?”