“I think that’s it.” I thought about it throughout the day and analyzed Gavin’s every word. And I think I know why he reacted that way.
“What is?” Jordan asks, confusion written all over his face.
“Alcohol is his problem and don’t worry, I know that it’s his issue and it has nothing to do with me therefore it does not give him the right to speak to me like he did. I expect an apology from him, but something is telling me there is more to this than him just being an overbearing asshole, you know?”
“Well, issues or not, he better apologize soon before I decide to take a trip down to that shop of his. Now, why don’t you go on and take a shower, I’ll finish up dinner,” he suggests, rubbing my arm lightly.
A shower sounds really nice right now.
The hot water from our shitty shower unfortunately doesn’t relax my tense muscles. I spent half of my remaining shift angrily scrubbing every flat surface in the shop then the other half on eggshells waiting to see if Gavin would approach me. So even after far too long in the shower I’m still tense but the aroma of food is calling me. Putting on some comfy clothes I head back to Jordan. Good food, trash TV and best friend cuddles is exactly what I need. Well maybe not, an apology and a kiss from Gavin is what I need but this is a close second.
“Hey Petey, come here.” I look around and spot him in the living room peeking out through our curtains. “Do you see that truck?” He points at the curb outside our house. “It’s been parked there for some time now. The driver is just sitting inside not moving, should we call the cops?”
I look at it, then gasp, “Oh shit.” I step away from the window and glance around like I’m looking for a place to hide.
“What?” Jordan’s looking at me weirdly.
“That’s Gavin’s truck,” I breathe out clutching my chest and starting to pace.
“Oh well, I guess he does have a death wish.” Jordan smiles viciously as he peeks out again and tsks.
“Shit, is he coming up here?” I ask in a panic.
“You just stay here, I have a job to do.” A feral grin spreads across Jordan’s face and I groan.
GAVIN
I’ve been parked outside Pete’s apartment building for the last half hour continuously rubbing my sweaty palms down the front of my jeans. I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my life. I’m not a big talker, but right now I know I need to talk big to get that man to forgive me for jumping to conclusions like I did. My reaction to him drinking had so much more to do with me and my past than it did him, but I hurt and embarrassed him and I need to put my big boy pants on and explain myself.
After I saw my last client out and realized that Pete had indeed left earlier than he usually would, I had no choice but to look up his employee file to get his address. I mean I could have asked Ryan but that would have opened up a whole other conversation I really wasn’t ready to have with him. Not to mention I had no interest in being on the receiving end of his rage when he found out I had hurt Pete’s feelings. Fuck, I am such an asshole. How could I accuse such a sweet young guy of having a drinking problem because he came to work hungover… once. I am the biggest asshole to walk this earth and I know it. I also know I can’t sit out here like a creepy stalker any longer.
Who would have thought that at thirty-seven years old, I would be terrified to knock on a twenty-five-year-old’s apartment door. Yet here I am, palms sweating as I inhale deeply and rap my knuckles against the hardwood door. Steeling my spine I stand to my full height as the door swings open, but instead of my little Jellybean, I’m faced with an extremely pissed off twink wearing glitter eyeshadow and red lipstick. This must be the infamous Jordan we have all heard so much about.
I can’t say I've ever been into makeup on a guy but Jordan is wearing the hell out of that emerald green glitter that matches his silk pajama set. Did he do his makeup for bed? I am so awestruck I completely miss whatever he just said to me. Giving my head a shake I quickly wipe my hand on my jeans before holding it out to him.
“Hi, you must be Jordan, I’m—” He stops me in my tracks with a perfectly manicured hand held up to my face. Well fuck…
“Oh, I know exactly who you are Grizzly. What I don’t know is why you’re here, and who the fuck you think you are hurting my friend like that?” His hands are now firmly on his hips as all five foot eight of him faces me down. I swallow hard because Jesus, this guy is kinda scary.
“I… I just want to… to apologize,” I manage to get out as he stares me down. How is this guy so intimidating? He’s wearing silk pajamas for fuck’s sake. I watch as his eyes narrow and his head tilts to the side before he scoffs in my face.
“It had better be one fucking hell of an apology. Pete doesn’t deserve the third degree just because he went out and had some fun. I don’t know what your damage is Grizz, but you had better not let it drip all over that sweet boy again or you will quickly learn this femboy has claws.” Eyes wide all I can do is nod because, fuck I believe him. With a tongue that razor-sharp I have no doubt he has hidden claws.
“You’re right Jordan. He didn’t… doesn’t deserve to be treated like that. I let my issues bleed all over him and I plan to apologize. Could you ask him to come out here? I don’t want to invade his safe space.” He appears to be mulling my words over as he silently throws death glares at me. Eventually coming to the conclusion that my intentions here are good, he nods and moves aside to let me in.
“Ok, fine, but you stay here and I’ll go ask him if he wants to see you. If he doesn’t then tough shit, you are out of luck.” I quickly agree and take a step into the apartment but stand dutifully by the door. If Pete won’t talk to me then I’ll leave. I just really, really hope he will give me a chance to make it right. Not a minute later I see him, and my heart just stops.
“Jellybean, I-”
“You hungry? Jordy just made a chicken pesto and there’s enough for all of us.” He turns around but when I don’t follow him he looks at me again. “Come on, it’s gonna get cold.”
CHAPTER 10
GAVIN
“You really don’t need to–” I start, trying to get out of this meal. This intimate situation isn’t what I came here for. I came here to apologize and make Pete see we can only be friends, but Pete as usual isn’t going to take no for an answer.
“Would you just shut up and sit down?” he orders and gestures for me to take the seat facing him. I’m too stunned not to follow the order and lower myself into the chair. I stay silent as Jordan scoops each of us a bowl of pasta then leaves again to give us some privacy.
