Page 10 of Oblivious Roommate

“That guacamole I showed you in photos? He made it,” Cass says with enthusiasm and moves his hand under the table in a way that makes it obvious to me that he’s squeezing Logan’s hand.

I swallow the lump in my throat, but who am I to criticize, when I burn eggs in the pan as often as I make them edible?

“That’s some real talent. What else do you do?” I ask, desperate to like Logan despite the circumstances.

“I just finished my business degree last year, but decided to stick around.” He winks at Cass and it dawns on me that Logan must have stayed here for him.

“And how long have you been together?” I ask with a sinking feeling, because now I’m thinking of Cass hiding such a big part of his life from me.

The lovebirds look at one another and both crack up at the same time.

“It’s complicated,” Logan says, putting his arm around Cass’s shoulders.

How was it fucking complicated? You’re either with someone or not.

“Depends on whether you count all the time we talked online or starting with our first real meeting,” Cass admits.

Oh. That does make sense.

“So… what? Shall we say six months?”

“Yeah, let’s go with that.”

It was nothing in comparison with Cass’s long friendship with me, but then why does this short time with Logan seem more significant? So what if they were having sex or kissing? It wasn’t Logan Cass decided to move into his apartment after his previous roommate graduated.

But then it strikes me.

What if Cass wanted Logan to move in, and Logan who rejected the offer? Should I even ask when we’re alone?

The last piece of the cake tastes bitter.

I meet Cass’s soft eyes, take in his long lashes, at his kissable (if you’re gay) mouth, and I can’t fathom a reason why Logan wouldn’t want to wake up to that every day. As far as men go, Cass is a treasure. Logan has the charm of a player and the boastful personality to go with it, but I keep that to myself until first Aaron, and then Logan excuse themselves and leave us alone.

Despite his promise to Quinta, Logan leaves the tables shuffled together.

Typical.

Cass remains quiet, and his green gaze follows Malboro Man’s younger, prettier cousin until he’s no longer within sight. It is only then that he notices my presence again. “So… what do you think?” he asks.

I swallow, rubbing my forehead. Do I lie?

“You really like him? I’m just trying to sort it out in my head.”

Cass’s shoulders drop as if he’s a human-shaped balloon that just popped. “You don’t?”

I laugh nervously. I don’t want to make him feel bad about his choice. “He seems a bit… I don’t know. Arrogant? But if he’s a good lay, who am I to cockblock you?”

I stand a bit too fast but manage to save my chair from falling.

“Arrogant? He’s not that at all,” Cass says, and the smile he had for Logan earlier turns into a frown.

“Oh, really? He’s all look-at-me-and-my-cowboy-hat. I’m sorry, I’m just being honest. But, as I said, it’s fine, it’s not me dating him.” I shrug and push the tables apart, making my point in silence.

Cass rolls his eyes. “Wow. Confidence is not the same as arrogance. Why would he be making himself small?”

I have to take a deep breath to cool my head. “Okay, fine, I’m sure I’ll like him better once I get to know him. Maybe I’m just protective of my bro, hm?” I laugh and nudge him with my elbow as he pays for our food.

This makes him relax somewhat, and he gives my arm a little squeeze. “I’m sure he’ll grow on you.”