“Thanks again,” Rhett said from the back as David drove down Grand toward River Market.
He’d insisted on driving Farzan home, even though he lived on the streetcar line. But the wind had turned biting, and Farzan didn’t mind.
“But seriously, dude, I didn’t come here for you to buy me free food. I hope you know that.”
David laughed and glanced at Rhett in the mirror. “It’s all good. You can buy the barbecue tomorrow.”
“Oh?” Farzan turned to look over his seat. “Where are you going?”
“We’re doing a full tour,” David said before Rhett could answer. “Q39, Joe’s, Slaps. You know, the greats.”
Farzan’s mouth watered, but his stomach gave an uncomfortable clench as he imagined just how much meat that would entail. Delicious meat, but still.
“I’m going to be in a food coma on the way home,” Rhett said. “And I will regret nothing.”
“Your neighbors on the flight might,” David muttered.
“Speaking of which,” Rhett said. “When are you coming to visit me?”
“What?” David asked.
Farzan went cold, despite the seat warmer keeping his ass toasty.
“You should come out to LA, see the restaurant—well, what there is—check out apartments and stuff. You can crash with me. I’ll even let you interrupt me having a little afternoon delight.”
David snorted. “All right, I’ll check my schedule.” He glanced at Farzan. “You want to come with? A little getaway?”
“Can’t,” Farzan said automatically.
This whole thing was difficult enough. But going to see what David’s new life was going to look like? That felt like a stab to the chest.
“Thanks, though.”
David shrugged, but his lips pursed. He didn’t really want Farzan to go, though, did he? What did he expect Farzan to do? Admire his fancy new restaurant? Faint at the rent prices?
Farzan hugged himself.
“You cold, babe?” David turned the heat up, even though they were blocks away.
“I’m all right.”
Rhett filled the rest of the ride with a litany of places David needed to try when he came to LA. Farzan hugged himself tighter.
Finally they pulled up to his apartment.
“Thanks,” Farzan said, unbuckling his seat belt, but David grabbed his hand.
“Hey.” He stroked the top of Farzan’s hand with his thumb. “Thank you.”
“Ugh, you two are so cute I can’t stand it,” Rhett said. “David, you get out and kiss him good night. I’ll circle the block or something.”
“What?” David asked, but Rhett had already leapt out of the car and yanked David’s door open.
“Come on.”
Farzan laughed and let himself out, tugging his jacket tighter. Rhett pulled away—probably faster than he should have—and Farzan drew David under the awning.
“He’s…” Farzan wasn’t sure what to say.
