it or say anything, Shayne moved along to the next kid and mentor.
I pressed my lips together, and my heart grew heavy. Those words I’d just said to Ricky, they all applied to Shayne. His parents were pretty crappy people, and if something changed Shayne into the bully he was, it was a pretty good bet that something was them.
We talked back and forth the rest of the work, ignoring most of the nature we were supposed to see and coming up with strategies to avoid the bullies and also a list of kids Ricky might hang out with instead.
Toward the end of the circuit, he flashed me a genuine grin. “I think I might be good to go next week, now. Although…” He hesitated and I nudged him.
“Although?”
“You won’t be with me to remind me of all of this stuff.” His mouth turned down at the corners and we reached the tree where we were supposed to be meeting the parents for pick-up. Today was the day I needed to introduce myself to Ricky’s mom.
I swallowed away my nerves. I still hated meeting new people and knowing they’d be judging me, even after all these years and a full body transformation.
Ricky ran right up to a petite woman standing in a patch of sunlight, her braids hanging to her shoulders, her brown skin glowing in the light. “Mom!” he shouted. “Come and meet Leo!”
She smiled a little shyly and walked toward us before holding her hand out to greet me. “Hi,” she said.
“Hello. I’m Leo.”
She giggled.
“Which Ricky already said.” I finished lamely.
“Hey, Mom, I’m going to talk to Billy, is that okay?” Ricky stood in front of his mom and claimed her attention.
For a moment she looked startled but she recovered herself. “Sure. Just stay where I can see you.” As Ricky wandered away, she turned to me. “He never goes to talk to anyone…ever.” She captured my hand again. “Thank you.”
I smiled politely and withdrew my hand from her grasp. “I was wondering if you’d allow me to give Ricky a call sometime in the middle of next week to check in with him about how school’s going?”
Her smile widened and she leaned against the tree behind her. “That would be great. I’d love it. I’m really grateful you’re doing this because Ricky doesn’t have a father or an older brother—no good male role models, you know?”
I nodded. “Well, thank y—”
But she interrupted me. “I’m happy to hold auditions for that father position if…” She smiled and fluttered her lashes a little. “If you know someone who might be interested?” She batted her lashes again then dropped her gaze to the ground before looking back at me.
I coughed as my cheeks heated. Some women didn’t seem to realize I was gay, and this part was always awkward, because I didn’t like to shout about my private life but I also didn’t like to lead anyone on.
“Uh, my position as Ricky’s mentor in the program means I have to be pretty strict about my conduct with him—with both of you, I guess—but I’d really like to call him and check how he’s doing.” I paused. “As his mentor,” I added for good measure.
She straightened and pulled her sweater tighter around herself. “That’s absolutely fine, and we both appreciate it. I should get him home now, though.” Her entire tone changed, becoming more professional, so hopefully she got the no-flirting vibe I’d tried to send out.
As Ricky’s mom walked away, Shayne walked around the tree, putting his camera into his bag. “So, how often does that happen?” He nodded toward Ricky’s mom. “Are there many women who come onto you?”
I rolled my eyes. Perfect. Just perfect. “I guess more since I lost weight.” And I hated that sounded so defensive.
Shayne shook his head. “It’s not just that. It’s due to who you are as a person. Charisma, charm, personality, good vibes… That shit just shines right out of you.”
I chuckled, but shit, I didn’t want to laugh at anything Shayne said. My stomach tightened. He still affected me. Part of me wanted me to fling myself into his arms even now. I shifted away.
“It’s impossible not to fall for your charms, Leo.” His voice was soft, tantalizingly so.
I glanced at him then dragged my eyes from his when something fluttered in my belly… Something that felt like anticipation or excitement. Apparently, it was Shayne’s charm that I was having the issue with.
He cleared his throat. “So, Kane and Adrian are