Alex:I’ll be home in about
Half an hour, make yourself
Comfortable.
The typing bubbles appear, then disappear. Then it pops up again, almost like he can’t decide what to reply.
Lucas:Oh, okay.
I tap my fingers against the steering wheel. That’s it?
I type again.
Alex:You’re not going to
get bored are you?
Lucas:You don’t mind if I
go through your library, right?
Alex:You can do what-
ever you want, Lucas.
Lucas:Alright…Thanks.
I smirk. He’s always like this over text, awkward and brief, like he’s unsure if he should even be texting me.
Alex:Do you want
Sushi for dinner?
I think that question took him by surprise, because it shows he’s seen it, but there’s no reply for a while, the typing bubble pops up, then vanishes. It does several times, and I smile patiently. We have been eating dinner together since last week, when we started the ASL lessons.
Lucas:Yes, If
you don’t mind
I exhale. He’s impossible. And yet… I like it. Working with him these past few days has been—unexpected. He’s patient, focused, and careful. But he’s also nervous around me, too aware. His fingers tremble sometimes when he signs, betraying the calm he tries to hold. He fidgets if I stare too long, like he can feel my attention burning into his skin.
He’s always hyper-aware of me.
I shake my head, about to start the engine, when a sharp knock taps against the passenger window.
Of course.
I glance over. Maksim. His grin spreads wide, cocky, like he already knows he’s won. Before I can say a word, he pulls open the door and slides in, sprawling out as if the car belongs to him.
I narrow my eyes. “How may I help you?”
“Drop me off at the Deluxe Hotel.” He kicks his long legs out, boots thudding like he’s settling into a throne.
My scowl deepens. “What happened to your car?”
“Got towed yesterday.” He waves his hand carelessly.
I don’t ask why. I know better. With Maksim, there’s always a reason, and it’s always trouble.
