When he looks back at me, I can feel a stone drop in my stomach. He certainly caught me checking him out. I take a step toward the door when he speaks again.
"Do you know any good places outside the city to eat?" Bennett asks. I turn back around, confused. "I have a friend visiting this weekend and I want to take them somewhere that really embodies the small town life around here. They've never travelled outside of the major cities: Chicago, New York, L.A, that sort of thing."
I think about it for a second, weighing a couple options in mind. There aren't a lot of local businesses that aren't national chains in this area. "Most of the area surrounding this city is farmland, but there's a stretch of buildings about fifteen minutes past my farm that has two restaurants. One is a burger joint, bar type and the other tries to be slightly more fancy, but it's a glorified Apple Bee's. They're over on Cannon Water Road."
"Cannon Water, got it." He's typing it in his phone I presume. When he looks back up, he's smiling. "Thank you. I'll have to check them out."
"No worries," I say. "I have to get going, but I'll see you Monday."
Clark
We're setting the table if you want to join. Mama made her fried chicken tonight.
The text from my nephew is innocent enough. I know he's old enough to understand that his dad sold the farm, but I'm not sure that Charlie's told him yet. He didn't mention anything when we into town that one day. He has asked me why I'm taking a class at the college and I answered honestly, that I needed a refresher course on Business to get a certification.
Nelson
Thanks, bud. I have plans with a friend though, maybe next time.
I have about an hour before I need to meet a few people for dinner. It's going to be myself, Paul, my future boss, Kevin, the friend that introduced us, and the current manager I'll be taking over for. We're going to have a few beers and eat, talk shop for a bit, nothing formal. I plan to possibly hit up another barafterward, maybe find someone to relieve a little stress with. I've been feeling extra… off for the last couple of days.
My laptop dings on the table as I pass by. I sit down and pull up the tab for the college email. I'd sent an email to Bennett earlier today when I was reading over my notes, just to ask some clarification. We have our first big test next Thursday that covers the five chapters we've gone over already. He handed out study guides yesterday and I've already gone through and filled mine out, but I wanted to make sure the written part of the guide was correct.
This all looks great, Nelson. You're doing great. I just finished grading quizzes as well and you scored higher this round than the last one. Enjoy your weekend and don't stress.
I close down the laptop with a nod. I'll look back over it Tuesday evening, and probably Wednesday as well. I get the last of my things before I head out to the truck. The drive to the restaurant isn't bad, there's a bit of traffic, but I still make it on time. The others are already gathered and I greet the three of them with handshakes.
We order a round of drinks and start talking about this and that. There isn't any one particular subject we stick to. There are stories shared about work, a brief discussion about the farm, asking how the class is going, and of course some jabbing about the fact I'm forty and still single. Despite the three of them being happily married to women and the youngest being thirty-eight, they start looking around the restaurant pointing out different men. I'm happy they're open minded, but fuck if I want to die.
"Oh, what about him?" Kevin says. I don't turn around and look at the guy he's pointing at. It doesn't stop the others from doing it. "He's younger, tall, cute."
The others hum their agreement, shooting their glances at me. It piques my interest, but I don't dare to turn around. "Oh damn, he's with another man. He might not be available."
"Or maybe they're willing to add a third if you're into that sort of thing?" Paul says.
"Coming from my future boss, that's just… Not right." I wish I was in a position to sneak a glance at the bar area, but I can't do that without making my movements obvious.
"Hey! I'm an open minded person. I've read things. It might have been by accident on my wife's Kindle, but I've read things. Very enlightening." We all laugh as he picks up his drink and downs the last of it. "I need another round. Anyone else?"
"I'll take one," Kevin says.
"I'll help you," I say. I push back my chair and stand up. The three of them all stare at me and I know I'm about to get more crap over this.
"Want to go see your future boyfriend up close?" Paul teases. I roll my eyes.
"Fuck all of you." I point to each one of them, but I'm only met with a round of laughter. Paul stands up and we turn and head to the bar.
I lift a hand to get the bartender's attention and then turn to Paul. His eyes are focused on a guy a couple of seats down. "He's cuter up close. Seriously, take a peek."
"If you weren't married, I'd be questioning you right now."
"I'm happily straight, but I'm a world class wing man no matter who we're looking at." He says it so nonchalantly but it makes me feel more and more at ease. At least I know I won't feel like I need to hide when I do start working for him. I roll my eyes when he tilts his head once more and finally look over at who he's talking about.
Tall, dark hair, cute.
"Shit," I mutter under my breath. "That's my professor for this summer class."
"No way!" Paul bursts out in laughter, turning several heads around us. Including Bennett. My eyes flick to his andrecognition crosses his face. I avert my gaze and reach my hand up to pinch Paul's arm. "Ouch! What was that for?" He rubs the back of his arm where I pinched.
