Zach nodded. “Sounds good. I’m guessing they’re not going to complain about me breaking the lease since they were trying to get me out by the fifteenth.”
“I’m guessing that fancy lawyer will keep them in line,” Albert commented.
Zach shook his head and took a bite of his burger. After he swallowed, he said, “I still can’t believe he would just offer his services for free like that.”
I took a sip of my beer. “Like Liam said, it’s family. He’s dating Marco. Marco decided you were his friend. Friends are family.”
“I have a feeling I’ll have to get used to a lot more people caring about what happens to me,” Zach said.
“You’re damn right,” I said. “It’s about time someone looked after you.”
Zach smiled and ducked his head. “Thank you.”
Our conversation turned to lighter topics as we finished our food and ordered a second round of drinks. We listened to the piano player and sang along with the songs we knew. Zach playfully complained about being unable to get away from climbing stairs to his apartment since my apartment was also on the second floor.
“It’s good for my legs,” I said.
“Definitely,” Zach commented. Then he froze and his cheeks turned beet red.
Albert and I glanced at each other. My best friend raised his brows as if to say, “I told you so.” I let it go because I didn’t want to embarrass Zach, especially if he was questioning.
We got back to the parking lot of Moonlight Inn with full bellies and a loose plan for Zach to move in at the beginning of May if Dwayne agreed to it. I was pretty sure he would, seeing as he spent most nights at Jason’s place already.
After we said our goodbyes to Albert, Zach pulled me into his arms and hugged me for a long time. “Thank you,” he said, his voice husky. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a friend I could count on.”
I squeezed him back. “You’re welcome anytime. I’m glad I was able to help.”
He drew back a little. “You did more than help. You rallied the damn troops. I should start calling you Little General.”
I shoved playfully at his chest. “Hey! Who are you calling little?”
Zach just looked down at me from his six-foot-plus height with a raised eyebrow. “If the tape measure fits…”
I fake-pouted at him. “Small but mighty.”
“So true.” He squeezed me once more, then let me go. “I’m going to head home. I’m pretty beat after this weekend and getting that letter first thing this morning. But I want to take you to dinner on Friday to thank you for helping me.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I said.
“I know. I want to,” he replied.
“Okay. I get off at seven on Friday.”
“Okay. I’ll pick you up at your place around seven-thirty. Or is that too early?”
I thought about it. “Better make it eight. I’ll need time to shower and change so I can look pretty.”
“You always look pretty,” Zach said. And then he blushed—again.
“All these compliments are going to go to my head,” I teased.
“Sorry.” He jerked his thumb toward his car. “I should go get some sleep. I’ll see you Friday.”
I watched him drive away, my head full of conflicting thoughts. It was becoming evident that Zach was questioning his sexuality, and it seemed like he was attracted to me. At the same time, it was equally apparent he was confused and maybe even scared of his feelings. I’d been there before, and it had ended badly for me. I didn’t want to be the person someone tried out their sexuality on ever again. But I really liked Zach and knew he wouldn’t purposely hurt me. The question was, would he know he was hurting me?
I dropped my head back and let out a groan of frustration. Why did I have to be a masochist? My phone rang with a call, and I knew without looking it would be Albert checking up on me.
“I haven’t even left the parking lot yet,” I said without preamble.
