JACKSON: There you are!
I was in the Fish Bowl in between classes.
JACKSON: What are you up to?
From now on, I'm going to hang out at the library.
ME: I was just about to head to class, Jackson.
JACKSON: And what about tonight? Are you busy?
ME: Very busy.
JACKSON: Doing what?
ME: Avoiding everyone and being anti-social.
JACKSON: Same as every other night, huh?
I got up and started walking to class, but Jackson didn't get the hint.
ME: Do you want something?
JACKSON: Yes.
ME: Can I ask what it is?
JACKSON: Why the hostility, Billy Goat?
ME: First of all, no. Second of all, everybody's been bugging me since the night at the club with Ben. They all think I'm going to fall apart.
JACKSON: Oh, don't worry. I'm not that sensitive. I just need someone brave enough to go out on a Monday night with me, and I know you don't have class tomorrow.
ME: Where would we go?
JACKSON: Well, it's Rhode Island, so probably the IHOP.
I stopped outside the theater building.
ME: I'll make you a deal. Don't bring up Ben, and we can go wherever you want.
JACKSON: Agreed. Wear cute underwear.
ME: Why?
JACKSON: You never know.
ME: Oh, but I do.
That night we met up at Texture, the newest club downtown. It's a little more ritzy than Prisms, and after the Ben debacle, I'm not eager to go back anytime soon.
Jackson was waiting for me at the bar.
ME: I'm here.
JACKSON: Red boxer-briefs with a blue stripe down the middle.
ME: Uh--how did you...?
JACKSON: It's a gift. Want a drink?
ME: I don't drink.
JACKSON: Oh, right. You're Amish.
Once we got past the sarcasm, we actually started having a rather nice conversation. It lasted for about an hour, and then Jackson showed his real motives.
JACKSON: So tell me about you and Davis.
ME: What about me and Davis?
JACKSON: Is there...something there?
ME: No, no, no, and no.
JACKSON: Inquiring minds want to know.
ME: Douchebags who can't mind their own business?
JACKSON: Yes, those people.
ME: You know, I'd rather not--
JACKSON: Did I bring up He-Whose-Name-Begins-With-B?
ME: I knew there was more to this than just hanging out.
JACKSON: We are hanging out, and I'm not trying to pry because I want something. I just want to know if I'm going to get in trouble when I bring you home with me tonight.
I nearly choked on my soda.
ME: You think you're taking me home with you?
JACKSON: Don't worry. Jeremy's probably already asleep. I made him cookies and milk before I left.
ME: I'm not going to sleep with you.
JACKSON: Why not? You clearly like bad boys.
ME: I do not!
JACKSON: Please, let's walk into the honesty circle. You like bad boys, and your biggest problem with my brother was that he was a sweetheart. I look just like him except I'm manipulative and confrontational. You're going to get everything you want.
I stood up and started putting on my coat.
ME: The reason your brother and I didn't work out is because...because...
Suddenly, I started feeling woozy.
JACKSON: Aren't you going to finish your root beer?
ME: I feel funny.
JACKSON: I'd better get you home then.
I had to sit down, but I nearly couldn't find the bar stool.
ME: You put something in my drink.
JACKSON: Don't be silly. You're just tired. You'd better crash at my place tonight, Billy.
ME: I, no, I...
Before I could say any more, I felt him put his arm around my waist and guide me outside. In my pocket, I could feel my cell phone. I knew that the last person I called was Davis, so I hit the Send button.
That was all I could manage before I blacked out.
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