The rest of our shift is busier than the first part, and when it’s time to go home, I’m relieved. I’m still tired from last night and Liam seems beat too. We end up ordering a pizza for dinner because Liam is too tired to cook. My heart aches remembering the hockey game we watched together where we shared a pizza. That easy comradery is now strained because we kissed. I pray we can get it back once I have my own place again.
“There’s a basketball game on tonight,” Liam says as he takes a spot on the couch. He sets the pizza and plates on the coffee table. “Wanna watch?”
“Maybe. Who’s playing?” I help myself to two slices of the pepperoni pizza.
“It’s the Vipers and the Tigers playing.” He flips on the TV as he speaks.
“That might be a good game.”
“Want a beer? I’m having one.” He gets up and moves to the kitchen.
“Uh… sure.” Maybe a beer will help us relax.
When he returns, I take my beer, careful not to touch his fingers. I don’t want to do anything that might make him uncomfortable. The game isn’t very exciting, or at least I can’t get into it. Once I’m done eating I grab a book to read while Liam watches the game. He doesn’t jump up excitedly like he did when we watched hockey, but the silence is comfortable.
Around 7:00 p.m., my phone buzzes. Ben’s name lights up the screen.
Liam’s eyes flick to my phone and then away. His jaw clenches but he doesn’t say anything.
“Hey, Ben,” I say, answering the phone.
“Hey.” His voice is warm. “How are you feeling today? I know we had a lot of sake last night.”
“Oh, I definitely had a hangover this morning.” I laugh, but I feel self-conscious with Liam only a few feet away. “But I’ll survive. I had a great time.”
“I had so much fun.” Ben’s voice is sincere.
“Me too,” I say. “It’s been a while since I enjoyed myself that much.”
Liam gets up suddenly and goes into the kitchen.
“I was thinking the same thing,” Ben says. “I was wondering if you’d want to do it again. Maybe tomorrow night?”
Liam returns with another beer. He sits down, and drinks half of it quickly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His eyes are glued to the TV but I feel him listening to my conversation.
It’s impossible to relax and focus on Ben knowing Liam is listening to every word, so I stand and walk toward the kitchen. “Yeah, that sounds great.”
“Really?” Ben laughs happily. “That’s great. I was afraid I came on too strong last night.”
“Not at all,” I say, lowering my voice. “Sorry I didn’t spend the night. I move slower than some guys. Hope that’s okay.”
“Absolutely. I like you as a person, Jude.” He laughs sheepishly. “I mean, obviously, I’m hoping I get to sleep with you eventually. I doubt it’s a secret I’m attracted to you. But I can wait. Something tells me you’re worth the wait.”
“Hopefully.” I feel good talking to Ben. I worried maybe I’d blown it with him, which would have been a shame. I really like Ben. I suspect he’s just what I need to get over Liam.
Ben says, “I was thinking Italian. Little Sicily’s is amazing. How about 6:00 p.m.? Sound good?”
“Sounds great, only this time I’m buying.”
“Nah, I asked you out.”
I frown. “Yes, but you can’t always pay. Let me buy you dinner, Ben. I want to.”
He sighs. “Okay. But if we go to a bar after, I’m paying.”
“We’ll see.”
“Looking forward to it, Jude.” There’s a smile in his voice. “Talk soon.”
