"Why?"
"Because… well, er…" His cheeks went a delectable shade of pink. "The bar. Umm, what happened the other week."
I knew we'd have to talk about it eventually, so I guessed this was as good a time as any.
"Look, Tiago, I'm sorry I kissed you like that and then just ran out. I was going through some stuff that day, and I have a history with that bar. I wasn't thinking. If you can forgive the momentary lapse of an old man, then I could use the company."
Tiago stilled and got up. I thought he might walk out on me, which I would have deserved considering what I did to him, but he only went to grab a glass of water.
"You're not an old man, and thank you, I would love to stay if you're sure I won't be in your way. Two months is a long time."
"Yes, I'm sure. Two months will fly by, and as I said, I'd love the company," I said.
We ate the rest of our sandwiches while we made light conversation.
"So, you did take the job you mentioned at the bar."
"Yeah, I guess I did."
"You're still not sure about it."
That wasn't a question. I looked at him and he smiled. I hadn't noticed he'd placed his glasses on the table while he ate. His eyes, without the glass barrier, were deeper and even more piercing than ever.
"Has anyone ever told you how see-through you are?"
"Yes. Yes, someone has," I struggled to say.
"Shit, I put my foot in it. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"No, it's okay. You were right. I always struggled to keep my emotions to myself. It has landed me in trouble more than a few times."
Tiago looked like he wanted to say something, but it never came. Instead, he got up to clean up the dishes.
"Nope, it's my turn. You prepared the food."
"Thanks. I had a long day, so I'm going to grab a shower and go to bed," he said.
"Tiago," I called before he left the kitchen. "I should do some grocery shopping. The fridge is rather empty. Is there anything I can get you tomorrow?"
"No, thanks. I don't do a lot of cooking, especially not in Isaac's nice kitchen. Let's say fire and I don't get on very well." He laughed.
I smiled back. "Okay."
And as he turned back toward his bedroom, I decided what I was going to do with the food situation in the apartment. I was also not going to think of Tiago naked in the shower only a few rooms away.
I realized then that I hadn't thought of Dri in all the time I'd been in Tiago's presence. A heavy weight settled on my heart, and my hand rubbed my chest almost instinctively. The apology wanted to leave my lips, but I knew wherever Dri was he knew how I felt.
As soon as I finished in the kitchen, I went over to my room and opened my laptop to do some work. Tomorrow was a new beginning. Whatever that meant.
