The door swings open as Tyler comes in, still dressed in his work clothes. Walker and I freeze momentarily. Is he going to call us out now? Would he be mad? Or happy? Or possibly intrigued? We look up from playing Xbox, waiting for his response.

“Hey.” Was all Tyler said. So far…..so good?

“Hey, Ty.” Walker responded. I just gave him a nod. “Guess you worked this morning?”

“Yeah, I was with Mike last night. He said he couldn’t make it in to work today and asked if I could come in to open for him. I would’ve said no since it was already late at the time, but I need the money.”

Mike was another co-worker at the theater. I didn’t talk to him as much as I did with Walker and Tyler, but he seemed cool.

“Gotcha.” I responded. “Did you stop by this morning before work? I crashed here after we got in last night. I don’t think either of us heard you.” I was trying to be subtle. Nailed it.

“Nahh, I just slept over at Mike’s and went straight to the theater this morning. He let me borrow a pair of his work clothes so I didn’t have to drive all the way out here before work.”

Once he said that, I felt relief. He didn’t see me and Walker. We were in the clear! I glance at Walker and he seems to be feeling the same way I am. I could see his body relax and let’s out a soft smile.

We focus back on Tyler. He says he’s gonna change his clothes, eat, then he’ll join us. Now that Walker and I have one less thing to worry about, we can really enjoy ourselves.

Walker and I resume playing games. Tyler came back wearing loose basketball shorts and a T-shirt. After he eats something from the kitchen, he comes into the living room and sits next to me on the small couch.