Remind me to punch Aaron the next time I see him. Plus, he’s been the one showing up late recently.
Just for that, I’m betting that Aaron’s the late one tonight
Nathan
Matthias has been on time lately. I think it’s Frank’s influence.
Aaron
Should we send him a thank you card? Box of candy?
Very funny
It’s true, though. Frank’s a good influence on me. I work less, but I’m somehow doing okay. I always thought if I took my foot off the gas, even for a second, that the whole thing would come crumbling down around me. Instead, I’m more efficient at work and home. Even if I haven’t found the perfect balance yet, at least I’m trying. That’s more than I can say I’ve ever done before.
Aaron
Seriously. I like him. He’s good for you.
Nathan
Agreed.
I’m about to respond when my phone rings.
“Hey, Firecracker, everything okay?”
“Fine, I wanted to make sure it’s okay if I study at your place tonight. I know it’s Thursday and you’re out with your friends.”
“I told you, you’re welcome to any time.” If I could, I’d move him in tomorrow. He’s agreed to move in with me, but it’s still a few more weeks until moving day. Of course, that means I should probably tell him how I feel about him sooner rather than later. As usual, we’re doing this whole thing backwards.
“I wanted to check. I’ve got a paper due next week and really need the quiet to get it done. If I finish most of it tonight, then we’ll have the whole weekend together.” Excitement fills his voice. I know Frank well enough to know that it won’t be done after tonight, but I’m sure we can still carve out time for something fun. It’s not like I’ll take the whole weekend off anyway. There’s always work to be done.
“Sounds perfect. Oh, could you please send me a link to that ice sculpture event you were talking about?” Taking him to that would make a nice weekend reward after a long week. Especially if he gets the essay done.
“Really? You’d be interested?”
“Absolutely.” It’s a good excuse to cuddle up together to stay warm.
“I’m sending it to you right now.” My phone buzzes in my hand, and I briefly glance to see that the link came through.
“Perfect. Have a good night at school and be safe. I’ll seeyou when I get home.”Home. Our home. Or at least I hope it can be someday soon. I need to get the courage up to tell him. “Call if you need anything.”
Pulling up my messages, I text my friends again.
I’m in love with him.
“I win!”Nathan announces, punching his fist into the air.
I can’t help but smile as he slides into the booth next to me. Yep. On. Fucking. Time. With a little help from Beau, who not only stopped by my office but also insisted on escorting me out to the parking lot. He’ll be getting a nice treat from me tomorrow to say thanks. There’s a bakery nearby that makes his favorite cream cheese Danishes.
“Yeah, yeah,” Tyler says. “I’ll get the first round.” He waves down one of the waitresses and orders a pitcher of his favorite beer for us. Guess that means I’m drinking something dark tonight. Not my favorite, but hey, free beer.
“I told you Frank is good for you,” Nathan says, leaning back in his seat, gloating.
“You only like him because you won the bet tonight.”
“I do owe him thanks for that, but also because you’re less tense overall. It’s like he was the thing you were waiting for.” It’s Nathan’s words, but Aaron nods along.
