Taylor gave that confused smile-laugh popular girls gave when they were flattered but uncomfortable. "No, it's okay Kevin, but, uh, thanks?" she offered.

"I get it. Context-specific," he replied, touching his nose twice. "Alright, I'll butt out, but, uh, Tay, if I can call you Tay, if you ever need a guy on your side, I'm there." He went back to wiping the countertops. "Just wanted to say that. School was school, but, you're alright. You're cool."

Taylor's look was now just a smile. "Uh, thanks, Kevin. You're cool too," she slowly said. She turned to me and asked, "So like, can I come in?"

I looked towards my room....