Riley has never confirmed himself in the mirror as many times as he has done today. Every glance feels like a check, every adjustment like a decision.
It is almost as if he has decided that he wants to look good for Henry, not for himself, not for anyone else, but just so that Henry might choose him among all the people who seem to be pulling him from every direction.
The thought itself is both terrifying and intoxicating.
Isn't he being a little bit desperate?! He wonders.
As he was taking a quick shower earlier, he couldn't stop smiling again and again about the fact that Henry had told him he was busy but still willing to take his time for him. That simple sentence keeps echoing in Riley's mind like a song he doesn't want to end.
How could someone who is just trying to use you even do that? How could someone who didn't care put aside their time, even when their schedule was tight, just to make space for you?
No.
