Page 21 of Love Limits

Ash was looking for a Daddy. Zhong didn’t have much of a clue what that meant, but it was definitely something kinky. He was pretty sure it involved spankings.

It definitely involved sex.

No, he needed to find someone as sweet and intelligent as Ash, who was also asexual and not looking for things he couldn’t provide.

Which was why he was on this agonizing date.

With Diane, he felt like he needed a word that was stronger than incompatible. He was pretty sure that if someone drew a Venn diagram of their interests, their bubbles wouldn’t even be touching. He snorted at the idea, but she didn’t seem to notice the change in his facial expression.

When the waiter brought their next course, Diane paused her complaint about the inferior retooling someone had done on her car and asked him about himself. What do you like to do?

He bit down a snarky response. The date was already over, even if she didn’t know it yet, but he could still be polite. Diane had seemed slightly more interesting in the ace meet-up.

Or maybe she’d just been quiet because everyone was hearing and they were the only two who could sign. She’d gossiped with him about the group and about the other Deaf member who would probably be at the next meeting, which seemed interesting and relevant at the time. Hopefully the other guy, Mick, would be more his speed.

In the meantime, Zhong could at least answer her questions. I do editing and proofreading for two scientific journals, one publishing company, and two newspapers. It means I get to read a lot of cool stuff each week, so I never get bored.

Oh, that sounds interesting. Her facial expression suggested that she found it anything but.

He tried a few more avenues for conversation. I like gardening and cooking. I enjoy board games and crossword puzzles. I read a lot of fiction and nonfiction.

She nodded politely, but that was all that he wanted to share if she wasn’t going to even attempt to make conversation.

Board games made him think about Ash, though, and how much more fun it would be if they were here instead. They’d started playing games online, which had evolved into trash talking over text, and then funny memes.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket, pretending that he’d gotten a text. Excuse me, I have to check this. I’m waiting for an important message.

Diane waved him off, instantly taking out her own phone instead.

He texted Ash.

Zhong: Help! I’m on a bad date!

Bubbles appeared, and then stopped. Ash texted back a moment later with a Bad Date Bingo card. Zhong covered a smile.

Zhong: Man, I’ve already got four of these. They’re just not in row. They need one for talking about spray-on tans for fifteen minutes, though.

Ash: that’s like a freebie in every row. i think you just hit the jackpot and you can leave now.

Zhong: Our food just came.

He looked up at Diane, who was ignoring him, too. He was totally the asshole on the bingo card who was texting during his date. Maybe, he mused, Diane was complaining about him to her friends, too. It would make a good comedy sketch. His phone started buzzing again.

Ash: help! i’m having an emergency! i desperately need a nerdy scrabble master to come to my rescue!

Ash: and feed me chocolates!

Ash: immediately!

Ash: (tell them you’re leaving.)

Zhong: Hehe. Thanks. I don’t think I can be that rude, though.

Ash: ok, for realz? just be honest and say that you don’t think it’s working. ask if they want to leave, too.

Zhong: Maybe after dinner. I could cut out before dessert. I’ll play bingo until then.

Zhong: Did I mention that her nails look like claws? They’re like an inch long.