Asshole.I curled into myself. Maybe this was a mistake.
My brother draped himself across the chair. “You have seemed more jubilant thanks to his presence. What happened?”
I folded my hands in my lap. “I initially told him I wanted to experiment.”
Victor snorted and looked away.
Was I ridiculous? My cheeks heated, and I tensed. “Is this too much information?”
“Not yet. I do need context. Go on.” He pressed his knuckles to his lips. The lack of eye contact made it easier for me to disclose my concerns.
I filled him in on the basics, then adjusted my cap and said, “Now, I’m not sure how to bridge the gap from friend to…exclusive friend with benefits. Maybe even boyfriend and girlfriend.”
I couldn’t believe I even wanted that. Then, I’d have to text him every day, meet his parents, and maybe even listen to his band. But the benefits outweighed the frustrations. I wanted that daily surge of pleasure from his presence.
“I think you should tell him what you want,” Victor said plainly.
I twisted my sleeves. “Should I frame it as a health concern? It's safer to date one partner.”
“No. You should frame it as an open discussion, a renegotiation. You might even frame it as a love confession.” He arched his brow.
“We’re not in love,” I said, gripping the seat. “We’re…compatible.”
“Strong reaction for ‘compatible.’” He checked his buzzing phone, then smiled. “Do you need a script, or do you think you can handle it?”
I rolled up my sleeves. “Give me the start. My break is almost over, and I want to be able to focus.”
He twisted his bangs aside. “Sal, I had a really good time the other night, and now that I have my younger brother’s blessing–”
“Be serious, please,” I warned.
“I was wondering if I could take you on a real date, just the two of us, to the…” He gestured vaguely for me to fill in the blank.
“The arcade,” I offered. “We both like games.”
He smiled and stretched. “See? It won’t be so bad. Just ask him if he’d like to be exclusive and offer to make your first outing as a couple special.”
He stood, so I scrambled to rise too for one last question. “But what if he’s not ready to date again?”
“Then, he’ll miss his chance. You’ll find other happiness. The first step is putting yourself out there.” Victor nodded to me, then put on a devilish smile strode to the entry where his girlfriend waited for him. “Hello, darling," he said.
"Hello, Mr. Sterling." Kat grinned as he took her hand, placing kissed on her knuckles, cheeks, then lips.
She giggled, wrapping herself around him.
I furrowed my brow. Would they just climb into each other’s skin if they could? I still wanted to be my own person.
But I kind of wanted Sal to be able to kiss me in public. Just a peck. Or wrap his arm around my shoulder. Or stay in with me instead of going to the bar. But I had to put myself out there. Take the next step.
I walked toward the mall, awkwardly waving at the happy couple just in case they could see me outside their love bubble.
Kat grinned and waved back.
Victor squeezed her waist, then jerked his chin at me. “Good luck.”
“Thanks.” I’d need it. Good thing I had a turkey plush and my brother to rely on.
29
