Jay wished he could take the words back the moment they were out. They sounded too judgmental, and even though Jay was indeed one of those people who loudly proclaimed their distaste for work politics, he was also growing to truly admire Aaron.
“Not like.” Aaron shook his head. If he took any offense to Jay’s snarky words, he didn’t show it. “Respect. I need people to take me seriously if I’m going to do my job successfully. And let me tell you, trying to get people to take the quiet, skinny, gay guy wearing tinted lip balm seriously can get pretty tricky.” He paused his aimless stirring to sip the hot broth.
Jay struggled with what to say next. His job was very different—a casual environment where he was one of several programmers on a tight-knit team. In his world, work politics boiled down to who got to pick the restaurant for team lunches and being careful with your words at client meetings. When Jaywas offered a chance to supervise two summer interns last year, he’d given his COO a dramatic speech about never wanting to be a manager, and she’d just smiled and passed the interns to his coworker Dev. Now, hearing about the challenges Aaron had faced, Jay’s rant seemed childish in comparison.
Aaron was breaking down walls while staying true to himself. Jay wasn’t even sure what his true self wanted, so buried under the weight of expectations and pressure he’d put on himself.
“It’s better now,” Aaron continued when Jay didn’t say anything. “Earlier in my career, it was rough. Everyone assumed I was a pushover because I was an introvert. Some days, it felt like I had to shout to make myself heard. Now that I have a fancy title and know how to carry myself, it’s much easier. I’ve changed so much, people who knew me in college wouldn’t even recognize me. I’ve slowly morphed into this perfect persona of an outgoing, confident executive who’s great at public speaking and doesn’t get rattled by anything.”
He smirked and went back to sipping his soup. Jay studied him, finding it hard to believe that anyone who’d known Aaron for longer than five minutes would miss the steel core inside the adorable package.
The conversation shifted to safer topics when the sushi arrived. Aaron hadn’t had a chance to explore Chicago since moving, and Jay took pleasure in telling him about his favorite spots. Some—like the best hiking trails or interesting museums—Aaron could probably find with a single internet search. Others—like the ice cream shop he loved as a kid or the Northeastern University library, where he’d spent most of his freshman year—were deeply personal and mostly useless, but Aaron listened to every word with interest.
After swallowing the last bite, Aaron glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry to eat and run, but I’m presenting at a town hall in an hour, and I should really go and prepare. I hope we run intoeach other again soon.” After dropping a few bills at the center of the table, Aaron offered Jay a coy smile and headed to the exit. The tailored suit showcased his lithe frame, and the form-fitting slacks stretched and hugged every curve of his perfectly-shaped ass with every step. Jay’s gaze followed him helplessly, drinking in the view until he disappeared, and the heat in Jay’s chest lingered long after he was gone.
Aside from being one of the hottest men Jay had ever met, Aaron was truly impressive. If Jay had to present at a town hall, he’d probably spend the entire morning glued to his desk, obsessively going over his speech and worrying about what could go wrong. He certainly wouldn’t be going out for lunch, radiating calm and poise.
Checking the cash to make sure the meal was covered, he chuckled to himself. Of course, on top of treating Jay to lunch, Aaron was thoughtful enough to include a generous tip.
Jay took the long way back to his office, enjoying the leisurely stroll with his phone tucked away. The midday sun made everything brighter, the soft breeze caressed his skin, and he was greeted with smiles from everyone he passed. Brimming with anticipation, he took a brief detour past Aaron’s building and noted the coffee shop across the street. Next time, it would be Jay's turn to hunt Aaron down.
Chapter 6
JAY
Jay’s phone vibrated with notifications all morning.
LAYLA: You better not be thinking about skipping again. I can’t sit through another dinner where we do nothing but speculate about what fun thing you’re doing.
JASMINE: The kids saw a picture of you and asked who it was. I told them it was their long-lost uncle who used to visit us before he found something more interesting.
MOM: Sweetie, I am making your favorite tonight if you can come. If not, that is okay. We miss you.
Between a few lazy weeks, the migraine, and searching for Aaron, he’d skipped the last few family get-togethers, and his absences clearly didn’t go unnoticed.
All of them were just the right amount of close. He loved his parents and two older sisters, loved spoiling his nephews at every opportunity, but the weekly dinners put him on edge. Everyone went around the table sharing their news, and Jay rarely had anything to say. His life hadn’t changed in the past few years—same job, same hobbies. The only new development was joining Chain Reaction and attending Dom workshops—and that wasnota topic he’d ever bring up with his parents around.
Despite the potential discomfort, he wanted to go tonight. He missed being surrounded by the familiar comfort of his family’s love, even if it meant being interrogated by his nosy sisters.
After picking up a box of cupcakes at a nearby bakery, he drove the half an hour to his parents’ house. He never responded to the texts, hoping his presence would be a pleasant surprise. Layla opened the door at his knock, squinting at Jay and cocking her head to the side. “Can I help you?”
Jay smirked. “I deserve that. But I brought cupcakes!”
“Hmmm…” She tapped a finger against her lips, as if in deep thought, then turned to yell into the house. “Jasmine! There’s a stranger on the porch that looks kinda like our brother. He brought cupcakes. Should I let him in?”
“Take the cupcakes and send him away,” a response came from inside. Before Layla had a chance to say anything else, Jay’s mom appeared in the doorway.
“Jahan, sweetie!” She beamed at him and opened her arms.
“Hi, Mama.” Jay thrust the box at his sister and hugged his mom. “Sorry I haven’t been around.”
“You are busy.” His mom kissed both of his cheeks and took a step back to look at him without craning her neck. “You are here now. That is all that matters. You look good.”
Jay was certain he looked the same as always, but it was nice to hear. Coming back to his childhood home was like submerging his entire body in a hot tub—an all-encompassing warmth spreading through him and soothing his soul.
“Where’s Dad?” he asked.
“In the garden with the boys,” Layla mumbled, her mouth full.
