“When’s his triathlon?”
“Beginning of October. It’s the last triathlon of the season, apparently.”
“So nearly two more months of close proximity with someone you have feelings for and can’t do anything about. Sounds like hell.”
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “You did it for a year.”
“Yeah, but I knew Chloe was queer. There was at least a slither of hope, even if it felt miniscule most days.”
“So, are you saying that if Marcello was queer, I would have a chance?”
“Are you kidding me?” She swipes my upper arm with the back of her hand. “You’d be top of his list, I’m sure.”
“Why do you say that?” I ask because I’m clueless, not because I want my ego stroking. Okay, maybe a little stroke wouldn’t hurt.
“Because you’re kind and considerate and loyal and fun to be around. Because you have minimal emotional baggage and a very successful career. Because you are independent and focused and hard-working. Because youwould never screw him around. Which is kind of important because I need to be able to always get my coffee there.”
I fight a losing battle with the blush on my cheeks. I never knew Radia thought so highly of me.
“Well, the good news is that you’ll likely always be able to get your coffee there because nothing romantic will ever happen between us.”
“Hmm,” Radia says mouth closed. “That doesn’t make me feel as good as it should. I’m sorry he’s not queer, Giles. And not just because I feel sorry for anybody who is not queer, but because I actually think you’d be really good together.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, he would match your energy really well. Chloe and I were talking about it the other day actually.”
“My energy? And wait, you were?”
“Yeah, she’s also noticed how much time you’ve been spending together. We were saying how fun it would be if we could go on double dates together. But then we forgot that Marcello is hetero.” She laughs loudly.
I laugh softly. “It’s not his fault.”
“Isn’t it?” she teases.
“But what do you mean, my energy?”
“Look,” her hand lands on my arm again, but this time it stays there, “don’t take this the wrong way, but you do live quite a rigid life. You have your routines and your rules and that’s great. I mean, it’s totally paid off but I have often wondered how much time it leaves for spontaneity and that isn’t necessarily a good thing.”
“I’m spontaneous!” I protest.
“Okay, Giles.” She lowers her chin and pins me with a stare. “When was the last time you were spontaneous?”
I think about the time in the shower with Marcello but I know I can’t say that.
“I bought a different kind of shower gel the other day,” I say but very deliberately don’t add that it was the brand Marcello buys and that’s why I bought it. Three bottles of it, of course.
“Shower gel. Really?” Radia rolls her eyes so emphatically it moves her forehead and her hijab.
“Not everybody has to be spontaneous.”
“No, you’re right. But Chloe was saying how you would compliment Marcello well too. You already have, in fact.”
“I have?”
“Yes, she says he eats healthier now. Doesn’t snack as much and he has better energy for it.”
“Well, that’s… good.”
