He awkwardly smiles. “Happy Pride.” Shakily, Riley stands. “Towels,” he says, and walks into the bathroom. “You’re welcome to the shower. Need a glass of water?”
I nod as I sit up. “Water would be great.”
Riley returns with a hand towel and a glass of water, which I gulp down after wiping myself off. We both sit on the bed, the sheets now streaked with pink. I don’t rush to the shower, although I will need to be going soon.
“I knew you were sexy before,” Riley says and coughs out a laugh. “But, fuck.” He tilts his eyes up, catching himself. “I hope that’s okay to say.”
I smile. “Yes, it’s fine,” I tell him. “It’s probably best for our professional rivalry that we don’t make this public. But yeah. That was very hot.”
He nods, and the way he looks so relieved to hear that tugs on something inside me.
“I saw the PR campaign,” I tell him. “I didn’t know the mechanics had backstories like that.”
He nods. “We’re a tough bunch. But we get by.”
“You, too?” I ask, more curious about him all the time.
Riley looks at the wall. “Guess so. I’ve never been good at making friends, opening up to other people. Was pretty much on my own growing up, as far as friends go. Didn’t have much help from my family on that matter, either. Parents didn’t love each other, and I think I reminded them of that, so they just kind of avoided me.” He shakes his head and looks back to me. “Everyone’s got a sob story,” he says, dismissing himself. “But I’ve always been good on my own. I’ve got my bikes, the freedom of the road. Good stories to keep me entertained, and a job I love. I can’t complain.”
I nod, grateful that he shared with me, although I can see from the way he’s wringing his hands that it makes him uncomfortable.
“I’m glad you found the garage,” I tell him. “It’s important for everyone to have a place they belong. And I’m sorry that you had a rough time before that.”
He nods. “It’s what this neighborhood is about, right? Making a place where people can feel like they belong. My past should have helped me understand the importance of that for everyone, got me working with the neighbors from the start. It was my mistake to give those old wounds too much power, let them push me into a defensive stance instead.” Riley puffs out a breath, but seems a little more relaxed. “Is that what drew you here? I can see the ice cream shop offers a place like that.”
“Yes, it’s why I opened my business in Allentown,” I tell him, sharing since he took a risk and opened up more to me. “Gay people have options in town for dining, dancing, drinking, even sex clubs. But there aren’t as many places for daytime socializing, sober fun, cute and wholesome dates. On top of loving ice cream, I really wanted to find my own way to contribute, help make this place a home for even more people.”
“Like a book club ice cream social? I think you’re nailing it.”
I smile. “Exactly.”
“You’re good at it, too. Making people feel welcome. I can see it. And hell, ice cream and talking about books? That’s almost enough to draw even me to a social event.”
“Maybe you should join one of our local book clubs.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Riley pushes a hand through his hair, and I feel him getting uncertain again. “Anyway. Guess we’ll talk soon about finding more peace on the block, right? I’ll make sure Chase and I figure out some proactive steps we can take on our end.”
I nod, glad to hear he means to take this truce seriously. “I’m meeting with the other businesses next week, too. Anything you think we should have in mind?”
Riley considers the question. “Honestly, the mechanics want to belong, even though most of them are too self-conscious to admit it. If the neighbors can find a way to accept them after the mess we’ve made, that is.”
“That’s good to hear. Some concrete steps from you and Chase will go a long way toward that.”
“Understood,” Riley says with a nod, then gestures. “Bathroom is over there. I put a towel out for you.”
Knowing that I need to get going, I stand. “Thanks,” I say. On the walk over, I take advantage of the opportunity and drag my eyes around the room, mainly checking out his books. At this point, I’m not surprised to see that he has such good taste. Riley even enjoys a lot of the same books and movies as NotAnOgre, a realization cemented when I spot a fewDr. Whoaction figures set up on a shelf.
Remembering NotAnOgre throws me off as I step into the shower. There shouldn’t be any tension between what I just did with Riley and my coming meetup with him. Not only have I never discussed dating with my online friend, but Riley and I are a strictly no-expectations situation.
But as I wash off under the hot shower, the last little pink swirling down the drain, I feel somehow torn between the two. Maybe I’m just hoping that my relationship with NotAnOgre will evolve into something as hot as what Riley and I just shared.
Or could it be possible that I’m developing feelings for Riley, too? After everything we’ve been through, when I think of him now, the emotions that he stirs up are becoming more and more complicated.
When I emerge from the bathroom, towel wrapped around my waist, Riley has pulled on a pair of gray sweatpants. He’s tidied the place up and placed the bag with my clothes on the bed, and I quickly pull my underwear on beneath the towel.
“Want to borrow some clean clothes? Everything would be too big on you, I know, but I might have something that works.”
I shake my head. We were just very up close and personal, but wearing his clothes out of here would be too boyfriend-y. “I’m sure I won’t be the only person painted pink out there. Anyway, I’ve got time to head home and change before I have to get back to work.” I glance around quickly. “You have some great books here,” I tell him.
Riley half-smiles. “Yeah, well, you’ve got great taste, I guess.”
I laugh, then cast my eyes around, teasing him a little. “There are a few titles I’d quibble with.”
He opens his mouth as though to object, but catches on that I’m being playful. “Start up that conversation, and god help you getting back to work on time.”
I grin. I’m sure we could easily talk for hours, I realize. “Right. Thanks again for the chivalry.”
Riley nods. “Sure.” He stands somewhat stiffly a few feet away from me. “I had a good time.”
I cross the distance and take him in a quick hug, pulling his body close. “Me, too,” I say, and after a deep breath, I release him and head out the door.
