I squeezed the plush to mimic the tightening around my throat. Why was it so hard to talk to him about emotions?
He half-heartedly sang to some old crooner on the speakers as he tidied up the desk, sliding a puzzle my way. His whole face contorted in an imitation of the singer, and he acted out all the lyrics.
I grinned and rolled closer. “You’re so cheesy. I love it.”
He raised his eyebrows, his cheeks pink. “Oh, really? My ex thought it was kind of embarrassing.”
“She’s an idiot. Sorry.” I inhaled sharply. No disparaging his ex. Just building him up would have to be enough. I gestured to a plastic guitar. “You’re still playing for the band though, right?”
“Not as much right now. We’re all working too much for the holidays. Maybe after the new year.” He sighed and looked off to the distance. “The last time I picked up the sticks was at your place. I miss it.”
That sounded like an in. He enjoyed elements of our hangout sessions.
My heart raced and I leaned closer, accidentally squishing my boobs together. “Want to play again? Get some practice?’
“Sure, let’s get it on the schedule.” He flashed me a smile, averting his gaze from my cleavage. “Are you going to the bar tonight? It’s Wednesday.”
“Probably not.” What was the point of that when I could hang out with him?
He put a puzzle in the center display. “Fair enough. I already promised some people I’d be there, so, maybe tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I faltered, easing off the plush. Was he trying to avoid flirting with me, or was he not into it?
He said he wanted to hang out. He seemed to enjoy our make out sessions and Space Spies 3009 binges. But he also wanted other people. Bar…wenches…or whatever that silver-haired server would call accommodating, not fleece-covered women. Had he promised to meet them?
Panic pricked behind my eyes, and my heart raced. Was I allowed to want all of him? Or would my clinginess chase him into the arms of someone who could love him like a normal person?
“I forgot about something. I-I’ll be back,” I said, leaving the plush on the counter and hurrying into the mall. I couldn’t hide in True Tech. He’d suspect I was running from him again. So would Ash, and I couldn’t ask her about him, seeing as she thought I sucked as his friend with benefits.Plus, I’d already had two public meltdowns at work. Three strikes, and I’d be dismissed.
The only other place I could find sanctuary was my brother’s movie theater. I texted him a heads-up.
I frowned at my phone. No, I would try. He’d managed his love and passion with striking efficiency. The only hang-ups had been when I enforced our secrecy, and the whole stalking thing.
I hurried to the ticket counter and pushed up my glasses. “Hello, may I please speak to Victor?”
“I'll call him down.” The girl in the power-chair gestured for me to take a seat in one of the lounge chairs.
Hopefully, none of these theater employees recognized me as the girl who kept coming in to fix the spider mech. Maybe now, I could just be his sister.
I sighed and sat at the edge of the pleather chair. This was a nice kingdom for him: vaulted ceilings, dark corners, infinite stories, and salty snacks. Now, he had someone to share it with.
Victor sauntered down the stairs, radiating cool indifference. His employees straightened their posture in his presence. Had it always been like that, or was it only after he kicked that stalker’s ass?
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he drolled, his voice rumbling like some game villain holding court. Part of me wondered if it was all an act after years of analyzing films, but he’d always been a little strange, like me, but different.
“I’m having relationship problems, although I’m not sure it should be called a relationship.” I tugged my cap and scanned the lobby to make sure no one else was listening.
He dragged his fingertips across the top of a chair to check for dust. “Ah, is young Salvador giving you trouble?”
“We’re older than you.” I crossed my arms.
“And yet none the wiser.” His lip ticked up, teeth glinting.
