In the days and weeks that followed, Dakota and Sam were often seen together, but usually with a level of distance or restraint. While her dad sometimes slept over at Sam’s house, and everyone caught on quickly enough, he showed few signs that he loved or even lusted after him. They liked each other. They enjoyed being close. And since both had no other options, they were, by default, loyal to one another. But they weren’t enamored. They didn’t fawn over each other or exchange longing glances in public. At best, they seemed to be comfortable friends—with a clear tendency toward mutual exercise.
They existed in a relational gray area. On one hand, Dakota began taking drinks to the builders and workers—one of which happened to be Sam—and everyone saw him do it with a youthful sweetness and
