“This is so weird, right?” I say with a grimace.
“So weird.” He’s smiling fully now.
“I didn’t know what to wear or whether I should get anything ready or how to act—” I’m babbling, and Julian grabs my waving hand and interlaces his fingers with mine.
“You’re fine. It’s all fine. We’re just hanging out,” he says.
His calm makes me feel like a frazzled mess by comparison.
I try to slow my breathing. “Just hanging out,” I say, echoing him.
He keeps hold of my hand. “How are you doing now? How was it for you when Gage left?”
My heart twists sweetly in my chest. “I’m okay.” I sigh. “He got to school, and everything is good. I miss him already, but I really am okay now.”
His face softens as he studies me.
“Thanks for asking,” I add, squeezing our woven fingers together. “How about you? How are preparations for your move going?”
“Good. I’m pretty much all packed. Just a few last-minute things to do.” His voice is tepid as he glances down at his lap.
I lean down and catch his eye. “And you’re still okay with what we talked about? The exit plan?”
“Yeah. And you’re good with it too?”
I half smile at him. “Yeah.”
He slides off the barstool and pulls me with him toward the living room. “Let’s go sit on the couch, where it’s more comfortable.”
I let him lead me into my sunken living room and down onto the huge plush sectional that fills the space.
He faces me, still holding my hand. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
He shifts awkwardly, and I can tell he’s nervous. I just wait, letting him take a moment.
“So. I’m not a virgin, like I said.”
I nod.
“But I also don’t have a… ton of experience.” He swallows.
This is a new side to him, so different from the bold, cocky one he usually shows. I like it. I feel like he trusts me.
“Okay,” I say calmly.
“And I was wondering, since you do have?—”
I tilt my chin down and arch a brow. I’m not sure I want to hear how he’ll refer to mydecadesof expertise.
He grins. “Well,moreexperience…”
I relax my expression, satisfied with that choice of words.
“I just wondered if maybe you could…” He trails off. “Give me some…” Another pause.
“Pointers?” This poor guy. I’ve seen dental extractions that looked more comfortable.
