“And Garret.” Teddy needled.
“Fine. And Garret. Then we deal with Thomas. Then we come back and we finally figure out how Joe feels.”
“Are you ready for this?” Teddy asked.
“No. It sounds awful.” Jacob whined.
“Perfect. Let’s go.”
28
Chai.
“How’re you feeling?” Jacob asked as he sat next to Joe. He seemed more coherent now. He was taking a sip from his water and seemed fully like himself. Whatever happened earlier had obviously passed and Jacob was relieved- but still unnerved.
“Better. I think. I just need a moment to still figure out where my head’s at.” Joe responded.
“Hopefully on your shoulders.” Jacob responded.
“You’re cute. But your jokes are terrible.”
“I get that a lot. Well not the ‘I’m cute’ part, but the terrible jokes part for sure.” Jacob smiled. He felt comfortable here. Even if this wasn’t real, it was different. It felt nice to be able to just unwind. He loved being next to Joe, and the way they talked just felt easy and comfortable.
“Well those people are lying. You’re very cute. In your own way.”Joe responded. Jacob reached out and felt his forehead.
“No headaches or anything?”
“No. I’m okay. Whatever that was earlier seems to have passed. I’m sorry for scaring you like that-”
“More than okay. It’s not your fault.” Jacob responded.
“Because it’s your fault!” Teddy hissed in his ear.
“Look- I know this is a bit strange, but can we go back to your work for a bit?” Jacob asked. Joe looked at him quizzically.
“I mean, I suppose so. But why?” Joe responded.
“This…This whole Tic situation has me a little bit-” Jacob shrugged. “I just wanted to-”
“I didn’t think you were religious?” Joe smirked.
“I’m not but-” Jacob tried to think of something to say that sounded right. “I just wanted to be able to possibly talk about all of this.”
“I mean, sure. I’m happy to take you. Maybe I should give you a tour of the space so you can get to know it better. I mean, if you’re going to be dating me you should probably be comfortable seeing my workplace.”
“That sounds nice.” Jacob looked over to see Garret still laying on the counter passed out, and Serena leaning against the back countertop. Both of them seemed frozen in time and the guilt felt palpable. “I mean mine doesn’t always look like this.”
“What do you mean? I’ve come in here multiple times with people passed out. I thought that was just a part of the atmosphere.” Joe chuckled.
“Not always.” Jacob paused. “Or at least not until recently.”
“Well, if you want to check out the area, I suggest we head off then. Maybe take you on a very special tour that’s only for us.” Joe said as he slid his hand down to Jacob’s leg and gave it a good squeeze.
“Yeah. That. Let’s do that.”
The walk over was nice. The sun was starting to set and the airfelt refreshing on his skin. Joe walked just close enough to be able to grab his hand if he wanted to, and Jacob was more than happy to brush hands whenever their fingers accidentally touched.
There were still so many questions he had. What was about to happen? What was he doing? And what was it about Joe’s scent that made him so unbelievably sexy to him?
