“Okay. Well, it’s a dating app. Again, closeted for professional reasons. I’ve never used my actual name on those things. I also don’t post face pics for the same reason.”
“Why aren’t you out? I don’t get what would keep someone in the closet in this day and age.”
“Well, if it was just me, I probably would be fully out, but it’s not. I need to consider my coworkers.”
Kira narrowed her gaze, but she said nothing. Blayne wished he could read minds to figure out what was going on in Kira’s head.
“So, what are you two boys going to get up to while Ethan’s here?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure,” Blayne said. “I still have class this week, so we’re going to play things by ear, I guess.”
“As I said,” Ethan started, “I needed to get away and let myself process everything that’s been happening in my life, so I’m looking forward to hanging out with Blayne and getting to know him better.”
The rest of dinner went by with no more third-degree interrogations from Kira. Blayne noticed that the longer Ethan and Kira were around each other, the more comfortable they seemed. He was glad he had someone like Kira in his corner, who was almost like a mother-hen, always there to protect and defend him.
After dinner, Ethan volunteered to help Kira clean up the kitchen. Blayne settled in on the couch and watched Ethan and Kira as they made quick work of the cleaning.
“Well, I best be getting home,” Kira said once the dishes were in the dishwasher and the leftovers were safely put away. “Have an early morning tomorrow, working on a deposition for a civil rights case we’re hoping to argue in front of the state supreme court.”
“Pretty impressive,” Ethan said.
“It’ll be impressive if we can get the damn conservative court to see the importance of civil rights in this state,” Kira said with a bit of venom. “Let’s just say, Texas isn’t exactly known for its progressive views on civil rights.”
“Neither is Louisiana,” Ethan responded.
“I thought you were from New York?” Kira asked.
“He’s originally from New Orleans,” Blayne interjected. “His business was started in New Orleans. Then they moved to New York to get things going. And now they’re back in New Orleans since things are off and running.”
“What he said,” Ethan added.
Blayne watched Kira, trying to figure out what was running through her head. She’d slipped into lawyer mode again, so her face wasn’t giving away any emotions.
She expelled a quick breath before saying, “Well, it was certainly nice to meet you, Ethan. I look forward to getting to knowallabout you while you’re here.”
“Likewise,” Ethan responded.
Blayne opened the door for Kira and gave her a quick hug before she left the apartment. Once he closed the door, he let out a deep breath.
“Congratulations, you survived Kira interrogation 101.”
“Do I get a medal or trophy?”
Blayne snorted. “No, but we don’t end up with Kira deciding to sleep on the couch to make sure you don’t kill me in my sleep, so that’s something.”
Ethan smiled at Blayne. Blayne noticed for the first time that Ethan’s chin had dimples when he smiled.He has chin dimples?
“What?” Ethan asked suddenly. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Sorry… I just noticed your chin dimples when you smile.”
“You’re not the first person to comment about my chin dimples. I guess I’m genetically lucky is all.”
“And I’m lucky you’re staying in my apartment,” Blayne said without thinking.
There was a brief silence before Ethan said, “And I’m glad you’re letting me stay here. I can’t explain how much this means to me. I know it had to be nerve-racking to let a stranger into your humble abode.”
“You’re not a stranger,” Blayne said.
