She shrugs. “It shut me up long enough to give him time to tell me how he felt.”
“You’re saying I should shut up and enjoy the ride?”
She stands up and pats my shoulder. “Oh, I think you’ve already enjoyed the ride. I’m just saying maybe you should stay in the car.”
I think about her words while I work. Maybe I’m not being fair to Arlo. He doesn’t deserve my hang-ups. There’s also the minor detail that I’m pretty sure I’m already seventy-five percent in love with him, which makes resisting a fruitless exercise.
Before the bar opens, I get a text message from him.
Arlo:I’m sorry our stars haven’t aligned this week. I wish we could have met up.
Levi:Me too. I’m working this weekend, which sucks hairy balls.
Arlo:I hope not literally, lol! I’m doing a talk at Ava’s school tomorrow afternoon after classes finish. Sage gave me the afternoon off. I know you’re working in the evening, but…
Levi:But…
Arlo:You’re going to make me ask, aren’t you?
Levi:Don’t know what you mean;)
Arlo:Fine…I’d love it if you could be there. Partly for support and majorly so I can see your gorgeous face again.
Levi:I’ll see what I can do;)
Now that I know I’m going to see Arlo, my mood is instantly lifted, and I’m counting down the hours until tomorrow afternoon.
I ponder getting up early to see Arlo before he goes to work, but then I’d miss dropping Ava at school. Maybe I can go over to his place after work and see if he’s willing to help me clean off the smell of the bar in his shower. I could always leave before Ava wakes in the morning.
In the end, I decide against it. The last thing I want is for it to come off as too clingy. Even if I’m dying to be in Arlo’s arms again. Even if I'm dying to feel him inside me.
I can’t even remember the last time I was with someone who was happy with a frot or blowjob that didn’t lead to penetrative sex. One more reason Arlo is perfect, but oursex,sex, is off the charts mind-blowing, and now that I've broken the seal, all I can think about is him. I wouldn't be surprised to look in the mirror and see teenage Levi instead of an adult trying to get his shit together.
After taking Ava to school in the morning, I stop off at Lovely Buns. Most days, Liv is out of the house before I’m up with Ava, so I always like to see her.
Nothing to do with her amazing sandwiches or the chance to see Arlo across the road.
“Hey, honey, I’m glad you’re here. I have a new bread recipe I want you to try,” she says, disappearing off to the back and coming back with a plate with a slice of buttered bread.
“What’s in it?”
“It’s a seeded loaf with a hint of rosemary. It’s meant to taste like focaccia, but it holds like a regular loaf, so it’s perfect for sandwiches. I’m thinking of summer barbecues and picnics.”
I take a bite, and she’s not wrong. The bread tastes like a door has been opened, and on the other side, summer is ready to go.
“Wow, this is excellent. You have another hit on your hands,” I say.
“Thank you. If you give me five, I can make you and Arlo a sandwich.”
“Excuse me?”
She turns around. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“No, but…why did you say you’re making me and Arlo a sandwich like…”
“Like?”
She gives me a look that means she sees through my bullshit.
