“So, how goes the job search?”
“It’s…slow.” Actually, it’s come to a complete stop recently. “I finished off the run coach course over the weekend. I’m scheduled to take the exam next week and then go get my CPR certification.” I hand him his can and take my seat backon the couch. “I’ve already got three clients, so I’m mostly up and running already.” Dylan posted on hisFacebookpage, and suddenly I had a multitude of inquiries. A few turned into real discussions. I hesitated to take on too much too fast, but Nix helped me work out exactly how many people I could take on using some time estimates. It’s slow growth, but it’s moving in the right direction.
“You think you’ll do that full time?” He takes a sip and wrinkles his nose. “Skip getting back into the corporate finance world?”
“I’m not sure I can make it work as a full-time thing, but I doubt I’ll go back to working in finance. It’s been nice being away from it.”
“And Sleighbell Springs? Are you making this your new home?”
“Undecided. I guess it depends on how the next few weeks go.”
“Wait.” He holds up his hand and puts his drink down on the coffee table. “Are you seriously considering moving here?”
Up until now, I only briefly entertained the idea. Hearing it on Russ’s lips makes it sound so much more real. Would I move here? Give up city life for this? “Yeah, I think I’m considering it.”
“Well, then.” He doesn’t sound as surprised as I expected him to be. “Is it the person you’re seeing? The mysterious one you don’t want to tell me about?”
I don’t miss that he saidpersoninstead ofwomanthis time. “Russ, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” Maybe I should’ve gotten us some beer for this discussion. The water isn’t helping anything. “The thing is that I’ve been learning a lot about myself while I’ve been here.” I say the words Nix helped me practice, and it starts to feel a little bit more normal, even if my heart is trying to pound out of my chest. “One of the things that I discovered is that I’m…bisexual.”
The time between getting the words out and when Russ wraps his arms around me feels like an eternity. In reality, it must have been a few seconds.
“Chase, you know I love you. No matter what.”
“I know.” I barely manage to choke out the words. “I love you, too.”
“Are you okay?” he asks, giving me a little space. “You look like you might collapse.”
Seems to be a recurring theme with me lately. “I’m good now.”
“Good, because now that you told me, I have more questions.”
Wait. What?“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Before Russ can answer, Nick hops up on the couch and curls up in his lap.Traitor. As annoying as he’s been, I’ve started to think of him as my friend. Apparently, all it takes is for someone new to show up, and he’s ready to jump ship. Or laps.
“Who’s a good boy?” Russ coos and pets Nick’s head. Nick responds with a loud purr.
Yeah, yeah. Everyone likes Russ better.
“So, we can either keep playing this game, or you can tell me about you and Nix.”
“Me and Nix?”
Russ snorts and gives Nick a knowing look. “First of all, neither of you is as subtle as you think. The two of you spend the whole day eye-fucking each other. It’d be hard for someone not to notice.” I open my mouth, but he holds up a finger. “Let’s pretend for a second that I’m less observant. Did you think I wouldn’t notice that you sneak out of the guest room every night to sleep with him?”
“Um, well…”
“You leave your door partly open. I got up to get a glass of water and saw it. Then I saw you weren’t in bed and there were voices coming from Nix’s room. I put two and two together.”
Oh God. I hope voices are all that he heard.
“And, even if the two of you had been able to keep it in your pants, I’ve been asked about your relationship by at least six people in the last two days. I can’t even get a cup of coffee without hearing gossip about you guys.”
“We were going to tell you?” I offer.
“Look, I’m not mad you didn’t tell me. I get it, you had things to work out. But, Chase, I have to ask, what are you doing?”
“Um, are you looking for likedetails?”
