Ihad thought about a three-month roommate anniversary celebration but decided against it. Roommates didn’t do that, and we weren’t really roommates. We were fuck buddies who did some couple-like things.
One of my favorites was cuddling on the couch, sipping coffee, and scrolling on our phones. We’d go hours without speaking, just existing with one another. I enjoyed existing with Alec. He improved my existence. Nothing could change for the next forty years, and I’d have been happy. No labels. No obligations. Nothing. Just him and me, crushing it at work, fucking like deranged bonobos, and cuddling on the couch on rainy Sunday mornings.
One such Sunday, after deciding not to mention the anniversary, the doorbell rang.
I got up, saying, “Did you order something?”
“No. You?”
“Nope.”
I found a delivery person holding a thick envelope. He said, “Is there an Alister Whitaker here?”
“Alister?” I asked the guy, then turned to Alec, who was approaching from behind with a weird face.
He moved in front of me, blocking the doorway. “I’m Alister Whitaker. How can I help you?”
“Alister?” I said again, ignoring the guy while Alec ignored me.
“You’ve been served.” He handed Alec the envelope. “This is a petition for divorce between you and Vivian Whitaker. If you have questions, you or your attorney can reach out using the contact information. Have a good day.”
The guy gave me a halfhearted smile and walked away. Alec stared at the thick envelope in his hands without moving.
“Sorry, man.” I rubbed his back a few times. “I hope you’re not gonna have to pay for that guy. Was it really necessary toserveyou like that? It’s not like it’s contested. Or a surprise.” I stilled my hand. “How did he even find you? Must be some private eye shit. You’re definitely not paying for that.”
Alec didn’t move. Sometimes, he needed to process stuff, seeing it from every angle. I was sure he thought the same way I did, wondering how much that cost and if it would be taken from their shared funds.
“How did I not know your first name was Alister?” I asked. He remained staring at the envelope. “Kinda hot. Regal sounding. I’ll have to call youSir Alisternext time.” I chuckled.
Alec didn’t react or respond. I stared at him for a few seconds, my smile fading.
“Alec?” I said. “Alec?” I said again. “Alister?!”
He brushed past me to sit on the couch, still staring at the envelope in his hands.
I watched him go, then followed and sat beside him. “Alec? Are you okay, man?”
He tore his eyes away and looked at me with a blank face. After a beat, he said, “I was named after my father and grandfather, but I’ve always hated it. I told HR to refer to me asAlec in all official capacities where possible.” He looked away. “And Viv knows where I am. I told her I moved in with you.”
“What do you mean? Does she know we’re like… fucking?”
“What? No.” He sounded offended. “I told her I was crashing with you for the time being if she needed to contact me. She’s still legally my wife.”
“Sorry. Are you okay?”
His offense dissipated, revealing several of his pieces. Pain and confusion so far outside my depth that it soured my stomach.
He placed the envelope on the coffee table. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You don’t sound or look fine.”
He didn’t look at me. “How do you expect a man who just got served divorce papers to look and sound, Mason?”
I was messing up, big time. I’d like to think I was more empathetic than a big dumb rock, and knew he needed my comfort and support, as shitty as that may have been.
I sighed and placed my hand on his back. “It’s okay. Or it will be. You’re here, we’re having a good time, everything is looking up,” I said, sliding my arm around him. “You want a blow job? That’ll make you feel better.”
He shrugged me off with a disgusted face. “What the fuck? Right now? Really?”
