“Being mad changes everything,” Steve says, glad that the pizza hasn’t fallen on the tiny, threadbare rug they use more to keep out the noise from below than for warmth. “Being mad is what gets change to happen. So maybe you won’t start school this year, but it’s not like the institution is going away. You can take online courses too, just to get the basics out of the way, and go to college next fall.”

He is more delicate with his pizza, mostly because he can’t really afford new clothes and these aren’t his painting jeans. He hadn’t expected to do art today, just model after all. He lays a napkin over his knees just in case and pulls off the cheese in small chunks to eat without ever biting into the slice itself.

“I can’t believe I’m the one saying this, but you don’t have to rush into everything. You and me are going to live together. Soon.” Steve punctuates that with a promising smile. “And you’re gonna find other things to be mad about. Like how I put your shoes away. And how the neighbor keeps leaving her trash in the hall. Baby steps. Because Becca is going to kick your ass when she finds out you’re home so you better get all the rest in you can.”