A cute boy

Eric was being watched by a boy who looked slightly younger, but probably wasn't. He had a babyish face but his hair and clothes were too good. The style was almost "business casual" but everything was sharp and clean and perfectly tailored.

Jake was bi, and this new guy was a great reminder of why. His look was simple but perfect, nothing out of place, totally coherent and confident. Muscles but not too many, looked young but looked mature, moved with purpose.

Spoke with purpose, too: "I know that look. You expect your siblings to grow out of their cringe, but they never do. My name is Ashton." He looked at Jake. "I hope you're not related to her, staring like that."

"I've seen you," said Janie. "More than once. You're in my year, but we've never talked--"

Ashton gestured at Janie's lower half. Her leg was still on the table and her panties were still visible, but Ashton's eyes were already going back to Eric.

"Rich boy has never seen panties?" Janie kept her leg in place and pulled her skirt even higher with her hands, giving the grateful onlookers a clear view, but Ashton still didn't look.

"Rich boy has standards," Ashton countered sharply, still looking at Eric. When he spoke again, his tone was more level and it was clear that he was addressing Eric. "I'm lonely at my table, if you'd like to escape."

Did that last bit sound flirty? Wasn't Eric straight? Eric was supportive of Jake being bi, but...

Eric opened his mouth to speak and just said, "Uh," awkwardly. Now Jake could feel the tension in the air. And in his pants. Jake thought he was hard from Janie's display but on second thought it was probably from the look in Ashton's eyes. Eric, on the receiving end of the gaze, was faring even worse.

Jake was startled by a touch on his shoulder and he looked up to see the barista standing over him.

"You're an entertaining bunch." She said it with surprise, not sarcasm. "I'm just getting off. Can I relax here for a minute, Jake?"

Jake's mind was still a bit stuck on Ashton and he was also distracted by the phrase "getting off," but Eric responded: "Sure. How's shit, Crim?"

"Thought it was going to be a hard shift when you two pricks tried to talk me up. And Janie, the fuck are you wearing, did you lose a bet or something?"

Jake and Eric exchanged meaningful glances. It seemed Jake could lose a bet if someone else set the terms.

Janie sat calmly back in her chair, but not without fidgeting a bit. She seemed to be adjusting her bra--

Ah, right. Jake remembered the earlier bet.

"I did," said Janie, "They're making immature wagers this weekend and they somehow roped me into it."

"How immature?"

"Jake thinks Eric will be less of a pig if he finds some action, Jake just lost five bucks because he didn't recognize you, and I forfeit my bra if you hit on Jake."

Crim was sipping a drink during that statement and she did a small spit take at that last part.

"You know," said Eric, "I seem to recall you disliking Janie when you were a freshman..."

"Only when I first met her. Also, you think it's more than I dislike you and Jake?"

"Hey, you approached us."

Jake was increasingly realizing that nobody respected him. He was trying to piece together a bet when Crim cut in: "Jake, I'm feeling down and I need a distraction. I've decided to give you a second chance. Tell me about your favorite sex position and maybe we can pass some time... And find out how much tolerance Janie really has for showing off."

Janie snort-laughed and got up from the chair, playfully flipping of Crim as she walked toward the bathroom.

Ashton blurted out, "Urgh! How--" He looked back at Eric. "Well, I won't lose my manners over your sister, but I wish very sincerely to be elsewhere when she returns. Come with me?"

Eric nodded and followed Ashton to his table.

Jake was confused and distracted. A lot was happening at once. Crim didn't seem to mind, she sipped a pitch black coffee and waited for Jake to act.