“So, what did you think of the movie?” Gordy asks as we leave the restroom. He’s in his Chinese human form now, likely because of all the lobby lights. Now, we’re walking out into the early-summer air. Downtown Cosmo is alive with activity, couples holding hands. In a sense, CB—I mean, Gordy—and I are a couple as well. We’re a pair of lonely hearts getting to know each other. I don’t want this night to end.
“I liked it,” I reply with a shrug. Truthfully, I could barely pay attention with Gordy’s thigh inches from mine. Sure, it was a cool, older romantasy flick, and a queer one at that. There was like a barista guy falling in love with a dude who can talk to sea creatures, I think? Honestly, I have no idea what happened inCoral Prince Conundrum. I was too distracted by the hunk to my left.
“Yeah? I’m not usually a romance guy, but the ability to move water and the ocean castle all looked dope.”
I nod with a smile and resist the urge to hold his hand. Gordy’s calmly chatting with me for the first time without a scowl on his face. Every word is like a tiny treasure, a gift just for me.
“So, uh, what plans did you have with Coldblooded after the movie?” He gives me a shy smile, and it makes my pulse pick up. He wants to keep hanging out with me!
“Mm…d-dinner.” I point to an outdoor hot dog and burger place.
“I could eat.” He puts his mask on and pulls his hood up. In moments, he’s back to his turtle form and walking closer to the darkened trees. “But I probably shouldn’t, like…be near the tables. Don’t want the mortals to…”
His words trail off, and I frown. Gazing around, I notice a solution. “The park.” I point to a far gate. “We could…eat and chat underneath…a tree.”
“Oh, yeah, okay.” He nods, and my heart wants to throw a parade. “I could go for a corndog. Let me pay you.”
“No.” I shoot him the biggest grin. “My treat, Gordy.” All I can do is hope he watches me as I walk away and get food for the second half of our date.
Minutes later, we’re sitting at a picnic table in the park across from the theater. The sun has set, and hardly anyone is walkinghere, so it’s truly as if we’re in our own little world. Gordy must agree, because his hood is off, exposing his green skin.
And he’s beautiful. I can’t help but steal glances at him as he eats. It’s mostly a companionable silence, but I can almost feel the nervousness and desire emanating from Gordy across the table. Does he want me as much as I want him?
“It was a sweet movie,” he says as he finishes his meal.
“Mhm,” I reply.
“I haven’t been to the theater in so long,” he says, staring at his hands.
“Same.”
He quirks an eyebrow at me and asks, “Why? I’m trying not to get kidnapped and turned into a circus sideshow.”
He laughs, but I frown. When he glances at me, his smile drops. “Me and going out in public have never gone well,” Gordy remarks.
“Why?” He points at his face, and I shrug. “You look…good to me.”
“Maybe on Halloween.” He chuckles, but I don’t smile. Sure, he’s technically not human all the time, but I can’t imagine anyone alienating someone so good-looking and fascinating. “So why is going out not easy for you? You’re like…handsome and normal.”
My cheeks burn, and we both gaze at our sodas. “People…want to be friends with me, but I can’t…” I shake my head in embarrassment.
“They don’t accept your speech impediment?” he asks.
I sigh and shake my head again.
“Then they’re no friends of yours.”
He’s being sweet to me, and I laugh and remark, “Hence…no friends.”
“Other than online.” Gordy points at me. “Coldblooded is definitely your friend.”
My laughter dies, and I stare into his pretty red eyes. “You’re…my friend, too, Gordy.”
“So, why are you named Speakeasy? You into liquor or something?”
I titter. “No. It’s like…how I…wish I was.”
“You wish you could speak more easily.” He nods. “Ah, now I got you.”
