“And I can see myself falling headfirst into his midnight-black eyes and staying there forever.”
“Damn, poetic.”
“But I won’t let myself get there. Not unless he gives me a reason to.”
After I got off work, he texted me.Dinner tonight?
My heart leaped in joy—and then crashed back to earth.I can’t tonight. Tomorrow?
His three dots didn’t appear.
I stared at the screen until it turned black.
I walked the rest of the way home from Diamant, grabbed a couple of items from the store on my way, and then entered myempty apartment. I flicked on the lights and kicked off my heels because they killed me after all the walking I did around the city.
I’d set down my bag on the dining table when Luca texted me again.What are your plans tonight?
I hadn’t expected him to ask me that. Now I wondered if the reason there was such a pause between messages was because he considered what I said and how to respond.Going out with a friend.
There was another long pause.
Something was weird about this conversation. He wasn’t being himself, and I didn’t know why.
He eventually texted back.I’ll see you tomorrow.
I let the conversation drop, did some laundry, and tidied up in the apartment. I checked my mail and paid some bills then unloaded my dishwasher.
My phone vibrated with another text.Come over after.
I smirked at his message, realizing he actually missed me.Sure. But it might be kinda late.
Then I’ll come to your place.
That works for me.
26
ALIÉNOR
Dominic and I went out to the bar, had one too many drinks and a great time. I got more attention from the men than he did, but because they were all gay, it was welcome. They complimented my hair and my heels and made me feel like a pretty princess.
Dominic didn’t seal the deal with anyone, and instead of going our separate ways home, he walked me to my apartment.
“You don’t have to walk me to the door.”
“Come on, it’s almost midnight,” he said. “I’m walking you to the door like a gentleman.”
I’d forgotten about Luca with all the drinks and the music, so I pulled out my phone and texted when we got into the elevator.
“Luca?” Dominic asked.
“Yeah, he wanted to come over. But it’s late, and I’ve got work in the morning.”
We rode the little elevator to my floor.
“I don’t care how late it is. I would never turn that down.” He laughed a little harder than he normally would. “Dick of a god…”
I laughed a little harder than normal too.
