“Yes. I like him.”
“How do we make that happen?” I ask.
“This might come as shocking, but I think we need to see where he’s at before we figure out how to make it happen. I understand that your conversations have hinted at wanting the same things, but… and I don’t mean this to sound cliché or stereotyping, he’s young. We’re… not.”
“You’re right. Thatisstereotyping,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him.
Oscar laughs and kisses me. “It’s not his age that worries me so much as where he is in his life. Is he interested in a long-term relationship? Is he willing to consider long distance? And let’s really think about the fact that you aren’t exactly in a position to up and relocate. You have a great job at an amazing university that advocates for the same things we find important. Which begs the biggest question of all. Will Ruby be willing to relocate?”
“How about let’s leave that one off for now,” I suggest. “Maybe just the first two questions and then see what we can do with that.”
Oscar hesitates. “I think the last point needs to be out there.”
“Oz, if Ruby’s the one, then I’m not staying away from him for a job. No matter how much I love my job and employer, I’m willing to compromise to be with him.”
“If he’s the one,” Oscar says, a smile back on his handsome face. “Do you think he is?”
He’s asked me this in the past.You think he’s the one?I’ve answered yes before. I’ve even meant that yes.
“It feels different this time,” I say, and I can feel the defensiveness in my tone. I take a breath to push it away. He isn’t asking in a condescending manner like,you’ve been here before. What makes you think this is any different than all the other guys?
“Itfeelsdifferent,” I repeat, this time without the attitude. “He’s just… He’s perfect for me. For us.”
I bring my eyes up to meet Oscar’s. “Do you feel it?”
Oscar nods. “I have rarely disliked the guys you’ve brought home, but I can’t say I’ve felt any particular way about them. I’veneverbeen attracted to them.”
A grin climbs. “You’re attracted to Ruby, huh?”
He hums without confirming or denying. “Maybe another conversation to bring up.”
There’s a knock on the front door. I glance at the clock. Did we order food? Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m hungry. If it’s not food, we should order something to eat.
“I’ll get it,” Oscar says and kisses my lips.
I remain in bed and stare at the ceiling. I can’t decide if I’m nervous or excited for a conversation with Ruby. How do I bring it up? We still have twelve days left of the summer before Oscar and I have to get on a plane and back to life. Is now too soon? Is it too late?
I’m chewing my lip when Oscar steps back into the room with Ruby. My heart jumps, and a smile takes over my face. Especially since he’s smiling.
He climbs onto the bed, walking on his knees to reach me. “I know I’m not supposed to be here until later, but… I kind of wanted some company. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” I sit up, reaching for him and pulling his face to mine so I can kiss him. “I’m happy you’re here. Always.”
“I’m not interrupting?”
“We’re just relaxing,” Oscar says, sitting on the bed on Ruby’s other side.
“Speaking of relaxing, do we have some food?” I ask. “I just realized how hungry I am.”
Oscar chuckles. “I’ll order something. Hungry, Ruby?”
Ruby nods. “Yes, please.”
My husband leaves the room. Ruby holds up a piece of paper. “I found something for us to do next week. There’s a new museum that I think could be fun.”
I take the flyer. Unsurprisingly, there’s a huge dick on it. I swear, there are dicks on everything. The flyer reads:
Opening August 1
