14
Russell
It had beenfifteen minutes since Ryan’s last text. While I knew there would be a logical explanation, I couldn’t help but worry some. He had been on his way to the restaurant for lunch and then his texts stopped.
I tried not to permit myself to be consumed by worry, but it wasn’t like Ryan. Having lived here for most of my adult life, I knew that crime on the Strip and in the casinos near money cages isn’t uncommon. Ryan worked in a casino that was a worldwide destination around lots of money and liquor. He’s often telling me about random attempts of robbery on the casino floor.
I’m grateful that he doesn’t work on the casino floor and works in an office upstairs. The thought of that should comfort me right now, but I knew that he had been on the casino floor when he sent me the texts. Were my worries irrational? Probably so. But none the less, he is my world now and I want to know that he’s safe all of the time. If I had my way, he wouldn’t be working and he could concentrate on his writing dream.
Fifty-five minutes after our initial text exchange from when he was on his way to lunch, another text came over from him.
Ryan: I’m sorry, something came up during lunch and I couldn’t break free. I have to head back to my desk now, but I didn’t want you to worry.
I tried to read what he wasn’t telling me. Though his text was thoughtful, he was detached in it. I quickly typed out a reply and hoped he’d see if before he had to put his phone away at his desk.
Russell: I’d like to see you tonight. It’s Friday night. You don’t work tomorrow. Stay the weekend with me, my boy.
I went back to my home office and forced myself to work on one of my new software projects. Within reaching distance, I kept my cell phone out just in case he was able to check his phone and text me back. I managed to stay somewhat focused and when I was finished with my work, I picked my phone up and checked my text string with Ryan to see if he had seen my text. I narrowed my eyes when I discovered that he had seen the message yet hadn’t replied. I reminded myself that even though Ryan might have been able to sneak a peek at the text that it didn’t mean that he was able to reply.
5:00 was rapidly approaching and I resigned myself to the fact that I probably wouldn’t hear from him until he got off work. As I worked on finding things to occupy my time, I checked one of my email accounts and rolled my eyes when I saw an email from Claire. Typically, I haven’t even been opening her emails, but the subject line of “Your boy,” compelled me to open it.
Dearest Russell,
You’re a tough man to get a response out of anymore. This was the only way that I thought I could get you to reply. You aren’t the only one with connections. I had a lovely lunch with your boy today. Just based on visuals, I can see why you fuck him. He’s very fuckable, but that’s it. I can see him being trainable too, but I wouldn’t waste your time. You need to focus on worthy bottoms and subs, not trash. I had him eating out of my hand. All I had to do was wave a customer service survey card under his eyes and he fell into step with me. He was polite for the most part and paid for the lunch with your money. He’s confused, Russell. He thinks you love him. End the charade with him. I’m ready for what you need to give. I’m waiting for you, Russell.
Claire
At the bottomof the email was a picture of her with my boy. Ryan’s face was flushed; probably from embarrassment and shock. I struggled to believe she had the audacity to show up at his hotel. However, the photo was proof, and it made sense with Ryan’s disappearance at lunch and his distance this afternoon.
Anger seared my veins. She got to my Ryan. No wonder how she had been friends with Leonard. They were both manipulative and vindictive. Claire showing up to see Ryan at work was the last straw.
Ryan: I don’t know if I can.
I stared at Ryan’s text that came over at 5:05. He was off work and on his way to the parking garage.
Russell: Answer.
Ryan: My signal is kind of spotty.
Russell: Answer anyways.
I dialed his number and waited until he answered. In the background, I could hear the electronic gaming machines and casino noise as he walked.
“Hey,” he said casually. I could pick up on the undertone of being hurt.
Damn Claire. She has no idea what she did to him by spouting off her mouth.
“Ryan, I know Claire showed up at work today.”
“Oh, great,” he sighed. “Did you guys rehearse what she’d say?”
“Ryan—”
“I hope you guys had fun. Work is all I fucking have. Please keep her away from me.”
“Work is not all you have. You have me.”
“Fuck, yeah right. I’m just trash for you. But don’t worry. Now that you have her, I will stay out of the way.”
