Johnny’s insecurities morphed into confidence, and the heaviness he always carried around seemed to lighten. I felt lighter too. And I started to embrace the excitement he offered. Though Johnny’s version of excitement wasn’t dark or dangerous like Travis’s brand of fun. One day, Johnny even talked me into going to a party. “So, Waters, what kind of craziness do you have planned for the weekend?” he asked during one of our tutoring sessions at the coffee shop a few block from my house. “Study group on Saturday,” I told him, not looking up from my book. He was supposed to be reviewing his math lesson so I could quiz him at the end of our session, but it was difficult to keep him on task.“Oh, impressive,” he said, taking a swig of his Coke. “You actually have plans. With people?”“Mmmhmm, it’s going to be outrageous,” I said, trying to mimic the voice my sister always used when talking to boys. For once I didn’t attempt to hide my smile. He looked at the title of my book and read it aloud—“Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid ”—with a raised brow.
