“You’re late. Thought you might not show up after all,” Danny said, leaning back against the desk. He still had balance issues and hand tremors, but all things considered, he was doing remarkably well. I was sure one of his bashers being convicted and facing several years in prison had a lot to do with it.
“Decided to take the bus,” I said and looked to Matteo who was hiding behind me, which seemed out of character. “Matteo, this is Danny, and Jere, my friends.”
He tipped his chin up and pulled his beanie off, leaving an adorable tangle of curls scattered around his forehead. “Hello.”
“Guys, this is Matteo,” I said, urging him forward.
His confidence took over and he shook their hands. He looked up and down at Jere, then glanced at me. “And I thought you were big.”
Danny chuckled. “He givesAhnoldin his prime a run for his money, doesn’t he? Makes me proud.”
“I can’t imagine all the calories that must be consumed on a daily basis just to stay alive,” Matteo said.
Jere, misunderstanding the situation, broke into a tangent about protein. I couldn’t help chiming in about the importance of certain nutrients and vitamins myself, especially when building muscle as opposed to weight-loss.
“Okay, baby,” Danny cut in, casting his boyfriend a warm glance. “We get it. We all very much appreciate the dedication and lengths you go to look this hot.”
“Strong,” Jere corrected meekly. “Looking hot is just a side effect.”
“One that is very much appreciated,” Danny said and pecked his lips. He peeled his attention from Jere and shot me an annoyed glance. “You didn’t come over for Christmas dinner. That makes me sad.”
“I promise we will all do something soon,” I said, a rush of guilt hitting me. The only reason I hadn’t gone was because Matteo was sick and needed help, otherwise I would have spent time with Danny. “You know how winter is. Makes you want to stay inside and cuddle up under a fluffy blanket and do nothing.”
He passed Matteo a suspicious glance. “In any case, I’m glad you stopped by. The center is organizing a refugee relief package. So if you two have any unwanted clothes or unused pantry goods sitting around, throw them in a box and drop it off here by February twelfth. We also need some volunteers to hand everything out. There is a sign-up for that too.”
“I don’t really have much,” Matteo cut in. “But maybe I can help with the organizing. I’ve got nothing else to do.”
“Yeah, we could use all the help we can get. The sign-up sheets are on the front desk. Sean can show you. Put your name on there and contact information.”
Matteo gave me a quick look. If he gave Danny my work number as his contact information, Danny would know we were living together. I hadn’t thought about how I’d explain Matteo to my friends. Not that I had to, but it was just another reminder that I had no idea what we were to each other.Hey guys, this is my brat with benefits that I enjoy arguing with.
“Hey, Danny,” I said, anxious to change the subject. “Remember all that old theater stuff that got left behind?”
“Yeah, it’s in the basement. Why?”
“Matteo here is a musician. I thought maybe he could make use of it. Mind showing him to the basement?”
“Absolutely,” he said, looking at Matteo with enthusiasm. “You’re going to love it. There is so much neat stuff down there just wasting away. I’d love to show you.” Danny slid off the desk and onto his feet, taking a moment to steady himself with his cane. Matteo looked as if he wanted to rush and help him, asentiment I shared. “I’m good, just need a moment. Alright, off to the basement.”
Jere came to stand beside me as he watched Danny and Matteo shuffle out of the room, their voices carrying down the hall. He said, “Thanks, that means a lot to him and me.”
“For what?” I inquired.
“Giving him independence,” he said, brushing his beefy arm against mine in a friendly gesture.
“Oh, well.” I didn’t know what else to say. The ordeal of Danny’s bashing was still very raw. Sometimes I was afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing and digging up unpleasant memories.
Jere eyed me, the cool gray of his irises dancing with amusement. “You two together, then? Doing stuff that is none of my business? Is that why you’ve ditched me? Lifting weights is boring without you.”
I chuckled uneasily and stepped away, aware I was defensive about his question. I was surprised he hadn’t brought the issue up at work, but he was very professional. “Honestly, I don’t know.”
He frowned and took a moment to digest my words. “You don’t know if you are together? Or if it’s none of my business?”
I wasn’t sure just how much I wanted to tell him. “It’s complicated.”
His frown deepened but he dropped the subject. “Alright, but I still want a share of my work-out partner.”
I clapped his solid shoulder. “I promise, I won’t keep neglecting you. Friday, before work?”
