I sigh as I curl up with myTTPDblanket and watch as Noah starts up his game again. I focus my gaze on the screen, noting he’s playingZelda: Breath of the Wild.
I figure he’s right, and it’s pointless to keep it in, so I just tell him the truth. If there’s at least one person in the world I can be honest with, it’s him.
“Aaron called,” I say. “Or texted, I mean.”
Noah stops, raising an eyebrow at me. “Oh… so it’s Lover Boy.”
I roll my eyes. “Quit calling him that.”
He’s been calling him that ever since he picked my ass up from the Tempest Hotel this morning. Though, I have to admit, I was a bit shocked to see we weren’t staying at one of Aaron’s family’sproperties. Seems like a hotel heir would want to stay within his family’s net, but what do I know?
“Negative,” Noah says. “What did he say?”
I sigh, figuring it’s best to just be out with it. “He said he has a job offer for me.”
Noah sets the controller down and turns to face me.
“Jake, that’s great!” he says with a grin. “I mean, that must mean you did a hell of a job. Or you fucked him really good.” He sticks his tongue out at me, and I shove a pillow at him.
“I told you we didn’t,” I bite defensively.
“Sorry. My bad. I mean you must havesuckedhis dick really good.” I shove him again and groan, telling him to fuck off.
Noah’s attitude changes at that and his voice softens. “Hey, you know I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant—”
“I know what you meant.”
I lean back into the couch, into the plush cushions. I’m thankful my brother is as accepting as he is. Truly, I know that. Our dad didn’t take it well when I came out in high school. And seeing as he and Mom got a divorce a year later, sometimes I wonder if it was the final straw. Mom tells me no. I’m sure finding out his son was dancing atThe Anchordidn’t help my case, either. We never had the best relationship, period. Not like him and Noah did. But Noah’s always been my ride or die, no matter what. I know part of it is just biology, but I like to think even if we weren’t related, Noah would still be my best friend.
His shoulders loosen as he offers me a soft smile.
“Maybe he likes you, too,” Noah says with a shrug. I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, right. He just likes Prince Charming,” I say. Noah looks at me in question. “Don’t ask.”
He holds his hands up.
“Okay. I’m just saying, Bella hires you all the time because she likes you. Maybe this guy will be a new top client.”
I doubt it. I can’t bethatlucky. Though the thought of Aaron returning all the time to go on dates doesn’t sound like a bad thing…
I lay on the couch and watch Noah run the fields and cream the monsters until I can’t push off the inevitable anymore. With a groan, I peel myself off the couch, Noah not even blinking as I announce that I’m heading for the shower. I dress, and get ready for meeting with Aaron in record time.I was lying about the date at seven tonight. I don’t have one.
But I didn’t want him to think I was waiting around for him to sweep me off my feet. I didn’t want to appear like more of a loser than I already feel like I am, because last night was…
Amazing, apparently.But also, awkward as hell because I don’t remember everything clearly. I made a mistake, and it can’t happen again.
Even if I want it to.
I’m packed with dates back to back for the next two weeks. It’s the middle of graduation season and wedding season, which means I’ll be in the throes of dates at least until September. And while I generally love grad parties and weddings because I love a good party and there’s always an opportunity to dance—something I miss more that I care to admit—I can’t deny it’s exhausting. But this is my busiest season, so taking it easy really isn’t an option if I want to make money and keep my bills paid.
I throw on a pale blue button down and roll the sleeves up and opt for a pair of chinos. I spritz my hair with some spray, apply my cologne, and make sure I look like I haven’t been rotting on the couch for three hours watching my brother play video games.
I’ve been in a weird mood ever since this morning. Endings are already sucky, but this…
This is worse. So much worse.
I head into the coffee shop with ten minutes to spare. I don’t see him yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s not here. I make my wayto the counter and order myself a caramel macchiato, and once it’s up, I find myself a seat by the window so I can watch for him.
