The Boy on the Bridge

by Sam Mariano

“I’m gonna take your silence as a yes,” he tells me.

“Borrowing your book.”

“Hey, Catnip.”

“That’s because you haven’t made it onto his bad side yet. Hopefully you never will, but I’m sure you’ll see other people get there. No one can hold a grudge quite like my son.”

“Don’t torture me, Hunter.” “This isn’t what it feels like to be tortured by me, Catnip.”

It’s like my heart knows that loving him will be hard, that I need to preserve all the tender, protective feelings I’m experiencing right now or we’ll never make it.

I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I do have a sinking feeling that if I ever see Hunter Maxwell again… he’ll make me wish I hadn’t.

“Hm.” Ray drops the note on the counter. “Well, looks like you’ve attracted the attention of a Scorpio. That was a bad idea. We don’t fall in love often, but when we do...”

“I’ve kissed you before, Riley. I know what it looks like when you want it.”

“Only because it would be unkind not to allow one last supper, even if you are a Judas.”

“This is mine. I was always meant to take it first. It doesn’t matter when or where it happens, Riley, it only matters that it’s you and me.”

“I’m gonna take your silence as a yes.”

‘Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the company of intelligent women’?”

“Your behavior is not my responsibility.

‘One must find out what he is arguing for, what is precious to him...’

If she sleeps with him because of what I’ve done, I’ll never forgive me, either.

I would choose you over almost anyone in the world, but… you made me choose between you and my own self-respect. That’s one fight you’ll never win.”

What’s wrong with me? I fucking worship you and I can’t stop hurting you.”

“Actually, you’d be the pain in mine. I’m fairly certain I’d be a bottom.”

You’re my favorite nerd in the world, and I’m so glad you’re mine.”

“I’m always going to make time to woo you, Riley, even fifty years from now.”

I’m in love with Riley, only Riley, no one else. I’m never going to be yours. Even if Riley never wanted anything to do with me for the rest of our lives, I still wouldn’t be yours.”

I won’t love her any less. I certainly won’t want her any fucking less. But I will lose my goddamn mind.

“I’m gonna marry your daughter,” I say, point-blank. “Just so we’re clear.”

Her smile widens. This time, it reaches her eyes. “You know what? I kinda hope you do.”

“I do like spending your money…”

“You’re my family, Riley. Anyone who doesn’t approve of you can fuck right off.”

I fell in love with the boy on the bridge a long time ago, but now I know for sure…