Chapter 15: Alliances
by Emmet
This time, prudently perhaps, Grace did not arrive early (and I was shaved and dressed long before anyone got there). She came after a few students had already arrived, including, to my surprise, Tad. I hadn’t expected him to return, after his sophomoric references to bisexual girls that first meeting.
Then I figured it was probably another calculated activity for his college application. I think he and Grace were the only two representing the straight part of the Alliance of the dozen or so students who showed up, so his presence was worth something.
We discussed goals for both the group and the dance, thoughts of what might be done beyond the dance. Russell suggested offering dedicated counseling services. There was a buzz in the air – everyone felt good about the funding for the dance coming through, and it gave people a boost. They thanked Grace periodically. People crowded around the table and elected officers and a secretary who immediately started taking minutes. They inhaled the liters of soda and bowl of chips. They were more hesitant to try the cheese, which was unconventional and weird-looking; Grace cut herself a slice. I went to the kitchen to refill the bowl of chips.
Coming back, I saw Tad leaning close to Grace, returning, apparently, to flirt mode. “No seriously,” I heard him say as I reached the table. “You look good in red. That shirt, like, just makes your hair look really good.”
“Give me a break, Tad,” Grace said, but there was a tone of the flattered in her voice.
“Seriously. Ask anyone here.” He looked around the table. “Doesn’t that red shirt make Grace look really good?”
People looked up from their various conversations. Russell nodded in agreement. “It’s true, Grace. Red is the color for you, babe.”
I put the food on the table and sat down, stealing a quick glance at Grace and saw she was looking at me, searching for a reaction? I just smiled noncommittally. Told myself jealousy was not there, any feelings of annoyance I had toward Tad right now were more of a protective nature, didn’t want Grace being bothered by such a jerk.
Grace glanced up at me as I sat, then said, “I thought we were planning the dance, not determining the best colors for my personal wardrobe. So. Tad, did you want to work on publicizing the dance?”
“Me?” he said, now the reluctant center of attention.
Russell said, “Yeah, man – if superstud Thaddeus says the Gay/Straight dance is cool, that would be publicity right there. Don’t let us down, man. I mean, that is why you’re here, right?”
Expectant eyes looked at Tad, who didn’t have his usual posse around him. He glanced at Grace, who shot him a challenging look.
“I can do that,” he said.
Plans were made, subcommittees formed, meeting adjourned. Most people left, but Tad continued to hover near Grace. I couldn’t stand it, wanted to get rid of him, and his youth, and his transcript of college-worthy experiences. Compartmentalize, I told myself. I began to clear the food. “Oh wait,” Grace said. “What is that cheese, that creamy one?”
“Chabichou ,” I answered.
“Guzundheit!” Tad said. Ha, ha.
“Chabichou ,” she repeated. “It is so good! It’s kind of nutty – sweet – but tangy too.”
“Exactly!” I said. “It’s a goat cheese – that’s the tang. It’s one of my favorites, but they don’t have it that often here.
She cut herself another slice. “Well, I like it.”
Tad looked from Grace to me. “It’s cheese,” he said. “What’s the big deal?”
“Ah, but it’s French cheese, Tad. In France, fromage is a big deal.” I cleared the rest of the food onto a tray, but left the cheese. I turned toward the kitchen, carrying the tray. Behind me I heard Tad say, “Grace – how’s Jessie? I thought she was coming tonight?”
“That’s why you came,” she stated.
As I pushed through the kitchen door, I heard him say, “We all have our ulterior motives for being here, Grace.”
No more voices for a moment, just the sound of dishes being gathered. Then Grace appeared in the kitchen carrying the cheese plate, followed by Tad carrying the last bottle of Sprite. She put the plate down and said, “I don’t think Jessie’s coming any more. She wants to spend the time with her mom. In the hospital. I’m picking her up later. As for ulterior motives, Tad, mine is try to ensure that Sinclair can be a comfortable place for everyone, no matter who they choose to care about.” Grace looked around and I opened a cupboard and handed her a box of plastic wrap. She started to wrap the cheese. I started to wash dishes. Tad sat on one of the kitchen chairs.
“Okay, okay. Sorry. I believe in the Gay/Straight Alliance and all that.” He stood again and went to the counter near Grace. “But… has Jessie said anything to you? About me?”
“Um, not really.” I could tell there were things Grace wasn’t saying.
“It feels like she’s been avoiding me,” Tad continued. He was talking as if I weren’t there, or as if it didn’t matter that I was, the invisible teacher, the irrelevant advisor. “I thought I might see her tonight. Maybe I could pick her up at the hospital instead of you, give her a ride home?”
I looked over my shoulder at Grace. She had paused in her cleanup. I could tell she was tempted. I was tempted. But also, not a great idea.