“I dunno, I still think it was my … wait, you like me?”
“Of course I like you, silly. You’re my best friend.”
“Okay, you’re my best friend too.” Theo felt a blush rise in his cheeks. “But you like me maybe more than just as a friend?”
“Yeah, I do.” Gabe smiled shyly. “So I guess that makes me a coward too. I was always afraid to tell you.”
“Fine matchmaker you are,” Theo teased. “You spend so much time finding the perfect pairings among the passengers, but you couldn’t figure this out.” He gestured between the two of them. “Now let’s go. All this talking has made me really hungry.”
They ambled off in the direction of the restaurant, and Theo felt lighter than he had in a very long time.
* * *
Carlos was sittingon his bed folding socks and underwear when Theo walked in.
“Hey, Theo.” Carlos glanced up from his laundry. “How was your day?
“So much better than I imagined,” Theo said excitedly. “I told Gabe how I felt.”
“Really? That’s great! And I’m guessing it went well?”
“Oh, yeah. He admitted he likes me too. But that’s not the best part.”
“Why? What else happened?” Carlos seemed truly curious.
“When we got back on the ship, he pulled me into that little hallway, you know the one just past the elevators?” When Carlos nodded, Theo continued. “Well, he pulled me in there and said ‘I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time.’ And then he kissed me! It was amazing.”
Carlos smiled from ear to ear. “I’m so happy for you, man. Does this mean he’s your boyfriend now?”
“Well, we didn’t put a name to it, and I’m pretty sure we’ll need to talk more about it, but I think we’re at least moving in that direction.” Theo looked at Carlos soberly. “It won’t be easy. For one thing, I haven’t really dated anyone since before I started working on a ship. Plus, you know how it is on board. We’re working all the time, and we don’t really have any privacy. But hopefully we can figure out a way to make this work.”
“I’m sure if you two put your minds together, you can come up with some ideas,” Carlos said. “And if you need me to clear out of the cabin once in a while so you can have some private time, let me know. I’ll help out in any way I can.”
“Really?” Theo was a little surprised, but maybe he shouldn’t be. Carlos was a good friend and had only been supportive so far. “Thanks a lot, Carlos.”
