Free Something Like Rain (Something Like... Book 8) by Jay Bell

most of the shows. When the hour grew late, Errol rose, stretched, and headed for the door.
    “I’m gonna crash on the couch,” he said. He surveyed the room before leaving, attention settling on the Coast Guard poster again. “You’re not square,” he said, “because you don’t try to be anything other than who you are. That’s really cool. Most people your age aren’t like that. Good night, baby bro.”
    “Good night,” he said, feeling a surge of affection for his sibling. When he was alone again, this feeling was replaced by guilt because as far as his family and friends were concerned, they didn’t know the real William at all.
    * * * * *
    William stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Not to relieve sexual frustration, although amorous thoughts were on his mind. Sort of. He had brushed his teeth, gargled with mouth wash, and shaved with the utmost care, not wanting a stray hair or bloody cut to detract from his appearance. He had even swabbed out his ears to make sure no unsightly wax was visible. He couldn’t remember the last time he had primped like this, but now it seemed advisable. He didn’t know if Kelly was interested in him, and William didn’t really feel ready for anything to happen, but he figured he should be prepared in case he changed his mind.
    He grabbed the bottle of cologne Spencer had sent him for his birthday and sprayed it on his bare chest, even though it would get washed off again as soon as they were in the pool. Still, for that initial five minutes when he and Kelly were together, he intended to smell good. Worrying about his outfit seemed equally pointless, since they wouldn’t be wearing much. That thought gave him pause. Maybe he should take care of business, just to prevent any embarrassing situations from popping up. Literally.
    The doorbell rang, but he didn’t react. The plan was for him to pick up Kelly at his place, so it was probably a Jehovah’s Witness or a package delivery. He debated putting product in his hair, decided against it, and returned to his room to pick out a shirt. William found his bed occupied. Lily was reclined on it, her pose seductive. She laughed as if this was a joke and got to her feet.
    “Surprise!” she said.
    “Hey,” he managed, tensing up as she hugged him. They often hugged in greeting, but normally he was wearing more than just a pair of jeans. “What are you doing here?”
    “It’s Saturday, I’m bored…” Lily pulled back, a hand sliding around to his chest. “We talked about hanging out alone. Remember?”
    “Yeah!” William said. “It’s just that I have plans.”
    “Oh.” Lily frowned. “Starting when?”
    “Three.”
    They both looked at the clock. He wished he had lied, because it was only half past one.
    “I’ll keep you company until then.”
    “Okay.” He moved around her to the dresser, grabbing the first shirt he found and putting it on. It was pale blue and oversized, since his mother was convinced he was a giant, but at least he wasn’t as naked now.
    “It’s been ages since I’ve been over,” Lily said. “Your mom didn’t recognize me at first.”
    “There’s not much to do here. Maybe we should go somewhere else.”
    Lily shook her head. “I like it. My brother’s room stinks. Yours is nice.” She sat on the bed and patted the mattress next to her, reminding William of when Kelly had done the same with the picnic table, except he didn’t feel as motivated to sit. Not wanting to be rude, he did so anyway. She started talking, first about the usual things, like what had been happening at school. Then the reminiscing began. Lily focused on memories they had made together. She brought up the time they had all gone to the airport, wandered around the corridors and pretended they had a flight to catch, even running at one point and shouting “Excuse me! Out of the way! My gate is about to close!” Or the time Lily had first gotten her license, and Holly begged her to drive them to San