Simon gasps. “Oh my god, how was it?”
“It was… nice.”
“Just nice?”
I think about how to answer. “It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it. It’s just, he sort of said something that threw me off. I don’t know what to think of it.”
“What did he say?”
I hesitate. “He told me he’s not into Asian guys.”
There’s a long silence. Simon leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. For some reason, he doesn’t seem surprised by this information. He just sighs and says, “Well, I guess the rumors are true.”
“You knew about this?”
“Unfortunately,” he says, shaking his head. “He’s known to date white men exclusively. You know, blond hair and blue eyes. Typically six feet tall with shoes on. It’s always a red flag when they hashtag #wasian on an Instagram post. I thought maybe he matured since then but clearly, I was wrong.”
I lean forward. “He told me I was an exception.”
Simon twists his face. “Oh god, what anick. Please tell me you’re never gonna talk to him again.”
I stare at the floor.
Simon leans forward. “Eric…no. You’re going to see him again after that?”
“We haven’t really talked since,” I admit. “I figure he’s really busy. But I don’t know what to think. Maybe he didn’t exactly mean it that way, you know?”
“What else could he have meant?”
I say nothing.
Simon lets out a breath and says, “Listen, Eric. I get it, okay? We’ve all been there. Met that toxic guy we hope will treat us differently. If I thought I could convince you otherwise, I would try. But I know there’s nothing I can say. So unfortunately, this is a lesson you have to learn for yourself.”
Alex walks in. We don’t talk about Christian for the restof the shift. But I can’t stop thinking about what Simon said. I know he’s right, but it doesn’t change the feelings I have toward Christian. I still want to see him again.
The sun is falling behind the theater.I’m standing outside the marquee, staring at the passing cars.Haru. It’s been a week since we last saw each other. I’ve been waiting every night after work, hoping he’ll show up again. I touch the paper rose in my pocket, remembering what he said. “He can give you a real rose, while I can only give you a paper one.” I wish I could tell him the real one has already withered away. What if that was the last time we saw each other? I shake that thought out of my head. He would never leave without saying goodbye, right?
Where did you go this time? There’s still so much of the city I want to show you.
A wind blows leaves around me. I let out a breath when I realize he’s not coming tonight. As I finally turn to go, my phone vibrates. There’s a text from Christian.
How have you been?
Heading to the hotel rooftop with some friends if you want to meet
Bring the jacket
I nearly trip on the sidewalk. Christian wants to see me? I read the message again, making sure I understand this right. I haven’t heard from him in a week. Suddenlyhe wants to go out for drinks? He could have at least given me a few hours’ notice. I stare down at my work clothes. I can’t possibly show up looking like this. His friends might mistake me for the waitstaff. I glance at the time. Maybe I can pick up a new shirt on the way. The department store is only a few blocks from here. I look both ways before I hurry across the street.
The restaurant is crowded tonight.There’s a line at the front, waiting to get inside. I’m wearing a gray sweater over my work shirt, with a few sprays of Tobacco Vanilla. I recognized the cologne bottle from Christian’s bathroom. He texted back a moment ago, letting me know he has a table. I walk up to the hostess and give her his name. “Right this way,” she says immediately.
I follow her out to the rooftop. Christian is sitting with a group of guys, lounging in wicker chairs. A champagne bottle leans inside an ice bucket. His blond friend Nick is here, too. It takes a few seconds for Christian to notice me. He takes a sip of his drink before rising from his chair.
“Glad you’re here,” he says, putting his arms around me.
“Thanks for inviting me. I brought your jacket.”
He smiles. “Hold it for me, will you?”
