“I am.”
“How did you sleep last night?” Will asked.
“Good. I thought it would be hard to fall asleep in a new place, but I guess I was tired.”
“I’ll be sure to tire you out tonight too.” Will snickered.
“Promises, promises.” Tom laughed. “So what time are you coming over?”
“I dunno. I haven’t had breakfast yet, but I was thinking about coming over after lunch if that’s okay?”
“That’s fine. I haven’t talked to Char yet—she may want to meet for coffee or something; it’s kind of a New Year’s Eve tradition with us—I’ll let you know so you can join us too.”
“Okay, that works.” Will blew him a kiss and rang off.
Tom rose, padding into his kitchen to make himself breakfast. He had a boyfriend and his own apartment. Suddenly, he felt more like an adult than he ever had. And it felt so good.
Char calledTom just after he got out of the shower.
“So I think we’re both ready to move this relationship to the next level,” Tom admitted.
“Really?” Char practically squealed. “You’ve really fallen hard for him, haven’t you?”
“I have,” Tom said quietly. “I think, um, that is …” he stammered.
“You love him, don’t you?” Char was always so perceptive.
“Pretty sure, yeah,” Tom spoke slowly. “I’ve never really been in love with anyone before, but …” he trailed off. “Do you think it’s too early to say something to him?”
“That depends.” Char turned serious. “Do you think he loves you?”
“Maybe. I mean, we’ve kind of talked about things, and neither one of us wants to see anyone else,” Tom said. “I told him I care for him, and he’s said the same to me. But neither one of us has used the L-word yet.”
“Well,” Char said, “the best advice I can offer is to play it by ear. If the opportunity presents itself, and it feels right, go for it. But don’t rush it if you’re not ready.”
“Thanks, Char. I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Let’s hope you never have to find out. Now about today …” She and Cee Cee were both off work, and they wanted to get together for either coffee or a drink. They agreed to meet for a New Year’s Eve beverage at two o’clock at the Whale.
Tom had sent a quick text to Will, saying to come to the apartment no later than one forty-five so they could walk over together.
“So tonight’s the big night, huh?” Char asked after they’d ordered their drinks from Dani. They were sitting at a high-top near the not-yet-crowded bar.
“You’re trying to make this as awkward as possible, aren’t you?” Tom replied.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Char batted her lashes at him.
Will laughed, and Cee Cee swatted Char’s arm playfully.
“Behave,” she told her girlfriend. “We all know what they’re gonna do. No need to beat it to death.”
“That’s what he said,” Char deadpanned.
Tom groaned. “Can we please talk about something else?”
The conversation changed to school starting up again the following week, and Tom for one breathed a sigh of relief. Even though they all knew what was gonna happen later that day, he still wasn’t completely comfortable being so open about his sex life.
Dinner had turned out great.Will’s pasta was delicious, and Tom made him promise that he’d make it again so Tom could watch more closely and learn how to make it himself. During one of their many conversations, they both confessed to a love for the old TV seriesGrimm, and Tom discovered that one of the cable channels was doing a marathon, so they watched several episodes before and after dinner.
