“This is amazing! I get to share with you my favorite thing in the world.
And you get to see it for the first time. That’s just…That’s so beautiful.”
Tears welled in his eyes.
“I mean…It’s…I’m excited to be here.” Jacob lied. “I just- you want
me to grab a coke?”
“There’s popcorn and soda in the lobby. I can-” Joe was about to get
up and grab, but Jacob insisted.
“No. Let me. I’ll do it for us.” Jacob said. “Any preference?” “Just be quick.” Joe said. As Jacob turned, Joe reached out and grabbed
his hand.
“What?” Joe pulled him down and gave him a kiss.
“You’re amazing.” Joe responded. Jacob’s mouth went dry, but despite
himself he pulled Joe in for another. Then, without saying anything else,
and a feeling of guilt welling in his stomach, he made his way out to
concessions.
As soon as he’d made it out into the lobby he cussed loudly. A few others
looked at him, but it was hard to tell if it was disapproving or not based on
their heavy make up and costumes. With a quick silent apologetic gesture,
he made his way to the concessions.
“Frustrated much?” Teddy whispered.
“Always. What am I doing?” Jacob asked.
“You’re about to watch a lot of nerdy things very quickly.” Teddy
chuckled. “I can’t wait.”
“I mean, with this. Is this real? Is anything real?”
“Don’t get all existential on me here. This is as real as it gets.” Teddy
responded. “I mean, except with the potential feelings of the man who
may or may not be your boyfriend. That’s a whole other can of worms.” “But he’s so sweet and I- I’m just-” Jacob pondered.
There was something earnest about the way that Joe talked to him.
Something like this was the way he’d always wanted to talk to someone
about things. About life. It was like there was a part of him that was
connecting with someone for the first time- at least in a way. But was any
