"I wasn't until they asked to see me again. This time without my boyfriend," he sneered, remembering hearing the slight distaste in his father's tone when referring to Othello.
"Speaking of which," Erin said, smiling. "When will you let me meet the guy you can't stop talking about?"
"Soon." Des stood and grabbed his helmet. "Othello's pretty busy lately with the auction coming up."
"By the way, I got my invitation for it." She picked up the black-and-silver envelope off her desk, holding it in her fingers. "Thanks for getting me in."
"No problem, you're my friend and lawyer. I'd do anything for you, just like how you helped me." Looking at his watch, he headed toward the door. "I need to head to the store and get something for dinner."
"Alright, I'll see you next week for the other stuff." She met him at the door. "You're doing the right thing, Des."
“I’ve wavered on getting started long enough. Being in the operating room made me realize that although I loved and hated being a surgeon, I prefer being an artist. It’s time I opened my studio. It’s just fucking scary as hell.”
"You're not doing this alone. You have me, your lawyer, and broker, not to mention your friends and lover boy. I'm sure once you tell them, they’ll be there to support you."
"I know." He hugged her quickly and then left. Soon, he wouldn’t be able to ride his motorcycle. The weather was getting colder, but Des loved feeling the cold wind gliding over him.
He pulled up to the grocery store, took off his helmet, and was about to put it away when he felt his cellphone vibrate in his jacket pocket. He smiled, seeing Othello's name.
"Did you miss me, Mister Moor?"
Othello chuckled, then sighed. "You have no idea."
Des relaxed on his bike after hearing that tone in Othello's voice. "I'm not seeing you tonight, am I?"
"Sorry, Tesoro, some work stuff came up. I may not see you for a few days."
He was a bit disappointed, but Des could do nothing about it. Since the birth of the twins, Othello had been working more since he was doing his and Iago’s jobs, even though Des had no idea what that was.
"I'll send someone to watch over you while I'm gone."
"You don't need to do that," Des told him. "I'm a big boy, and I can take care of myself. Besides, I will probably be too busy on my end. Erin got all the paperwork I need to get the studio started."
"Okay. Call me if you need me, Des."
I always need you, Des wanted to say but said, "Alright," instead.
They ended their call, and Des was about to put his helmet on, head home, and order takeout since he wouldn't see Othello, when a sleek black car drove up and stopped beside him. The car was expensive, like the ones you only see in movies, with black-tinted windows. The back window slowly rolled down, revealing a handsome man with wavy jet-black hair and gray eyes.
"We meet again," came a sultry voice that Des did not recognize.
"Do we know each other?" Des asked, staring at the other man who smirked, but he could see a slight irritation flash in his eyes.
"It would seem I didn't leave a memorable impression on you, Doctor Ellington."
"I think you have me mistaken with my father," Des responded.
The car door opened, and the man got out, showing his impressive height. He was still not as outstanding as Othello but good nonetheless.
"Cassio Ricci," he said, introducing himself, and a recollection returned to him.
"I remember now. We met at the Romanos' anniversary party."
"You could say that." He smiled.
"Well, it was nice seeing you again." Des went to put his helmet on but was stopped by Ricci.
"Wait, I don't see Moor. Did you two end your relationship, perhaps?"
