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By the time the movie ends, we’ve finished eating. I clean up the picnic and the other stray dishes, then run a hot bath for Stef, like I promised. I add lots of bubbles, per their request, and when they disappear into the bathroom, I box up the leftovers and wash the dishes, stacking everything in the drying rack. Then I tackle the bedroom, cleaning up the stray tissues and moving the wastebasket closer to the bed. I’d change the sheets, but I don’t know where Stef keeps the extras, so I settle for making the bed. At least it’ll be neat when they climb back in. By the time I hear the bathtub draining, the place is put together and I’ve selected a book from the bookcase. Stef shuffles into the bedroom in a plush white terry robe, with a white towel twisted up on their head and the pink unicorn slippers back on their feet. They toss their dirty clothes into a hamper and look around, eyes getting a little teary. “You cleaned up.”
I gather them into my arms. “I did.”
“And you brought me dinner.”
“I did that too.” I lean down and kiss the side of their neck, inhaling the scent of their warm vanilla body wash. “I’d have changed the sheets, but I didn’t know where your spares were. If you’d like, I still can.”
They shake their head, causing the towel to tumble to the floor. I bite back a laugh at their now-damp, dark blond hair sticking up every which way. “I changed them a few days ago, and I’d rather wait until I’m not sick anymore before I change them again.”
I kiss their forehead. “Sounds like a good plan. Why don’t you put on some comfortable clothes? We’ll get into bed and I’ll read to you until you fall asleep.”
Stef blinks at me a few times, like their brain needs to catch up. “Really?”
“Yes.” Their mouth drops open in the most adorable way. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’ll stay? And read to me?” They give me a squeeze, then move to their dresser, grabbing boxer briefs, dropping the robe onto the floor as they pull them on. “No one has read to me since I was little.” They pause and look over their shoulder at me. “What if you get sick?”
I take their robe, throw it over my arm, and pick up the damp towel from the floor. “Yes, I’ll stay and read to you. And I’ll be careful and wash my hands. Now, climb into bed and get comfy. I’ll be back in a minute.” I walk the ten paces to the bathroom, hang up the robe and towel, then search in vain for a spare toothbrush. There doesn’t seem to be one, so toothpaste on my finger will have to do. I wash my hands and face, then clean my teeth the best I can.
When I return to the bedroom with a glass of water and the cold medicine Frank picked up, Stef is tucked in bed, pillows propped up behind them, waiting eagerly. Dear god, they’re too cute. Grinning, I hand them the medicine which they dutifully take as I undress and climb in beside them. “I’m assuming you like this book since it was on your shelf.”
I show them the cover and they nod, grinning. “Yes, it’s one of my favorites. The Mad Hatter’s tea party is my favorite part. Oh, and the caterpillar scene.”
“Well, I doubt we’ll make it that far tonight, but we’ll see.” I open the book and begin to read. Stef listens attentively for about ten minutes before their eyes begin to droop. They snuggle down into the covers and lean on my shoulder, but still reading along. We make it all the way to Pig and Pepper before they’re softly snoring. I set the book on the bedside table and spot my phone. I’m shocked to realize I haven’t once thought about work since I got here. Equally surprising is my lack of concern for the seven texts and two calls, all work related, that I’ve missed.
They can wait until tomorrow. I send a text to Frank asking him to pick me up at seven a.m., set my alarm for six-thirty and hope my phone has enough battery to last that long. Setting it back on the bedside table, I turn off the light and pull Stef close, tucking them against me. I drift to sleep, feeling calm, content, totally unconcerned about work, or Gilbert Fox.
18
Stef
Eyelinerisn’tforthefaint of heart. One wrong move and you poke yourself in the eye with a sharp pencil. I know, I’ve done it. It hurt, my eyes watered like Niagara Falls, my makeup ran, and I had to start over from scratch. Thankfully, tonight my hands are steady as I put the finishing touches on my simple black eyeliner. I don’t even startle when my phone vibrates on my vanity. Blake’s name flashes on the screen, and I eagerly tap the message icon, butterflies swooping in my stomach.
Blake:About ten minutes away. Wanted to give you some warning.
He’s always so considerate, and it surprises me every time. Maybe Ihavefound my Prince Charming. It’s been a few weeks since the night Blake came over and took care of me, and I still can’t believe how utterly sweet he was. The man did my dishes and picked up my snotty tissues, for criminy’s sake! It makes my cheeks heat and my heart flutter in my chest. Wiggling excitedly in my seat, I tap out a response.
Me:Your timing should be perfect. Almost ready. TY for being so sweet.Kissing heart emojiCU soon
Blake:Can’t waitwink emoji
Me:Door code is 02134. Come on up.
Our schedules over the past few weeks have kept us busy, but we’ve texted frequently and made a point to see each other on the weekends. It’s part of our intentional work-life balance, and I’m only slightly surprised I didn’t have to pressure Blake to agree. Not that he doesn’t want to see me, because he does. He makes that very clear both in text and in person. But he used to work through weekends, and now they’re work-free. I think it’s done him a world of good.
We’re using the time to get to know each other, and our city. The conservatory and Love ’n Cup were so much fun that we decided to keep up the theme by playing Seattle tourists. So far, we spent a lazy Sunday morning touring Pike Place Market and the next Saturday, we visited the Museum of Pop Culture. Blake selflessly took me on the Chocolate Indulgence Tour, and I reciprocated by spending a Sunday morning in the Elliott Bay Book Company.
Who knew under those bespoke suits beat the heart of a romantic? He’s an absolute dream, and I like him a lot.A lot, a lot. Okay, yes, I more than like him. I’m trying not to dwell too much on that. There will come a point where my effervescent personality or my gender fluidity will become too much and he’ll drop me flat like every other guy I’ve dated. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet, if I’m honest. But until it does, I’ll enjoy our time together and try to keep from falling too hard. A small voice in my head whispers it’s already too late.
I ignore it and apply a last dab of lip gloss before pushing away from my vanity and hurrying to my closet to get dressed. Today I’ve felt mostly they/them, but more on the masc side, so I’m going with a black suit and black fitted dress shirt, letting my accessories make the statement.
WhileI’mcomfortable in my gender fluidity, I have to admit my outfit choice tonight will be less controversial than it might have been if I’d been feeling she or she-they. Blake has been enthusiastically supportive of how I dress, and would be no matter what I wear to this gala, but ultimately, this is a work function for him. I’m sure a more conservative, gender-conforming outfit will make it easier for everyone.
I pull on the slacks and slip into the shirt, quickly doing up the buttons before tucking in the tails, and slipping into a black-paneled corset vest I’d seen in a social media post. I knew Ihadto have it. The miniature pattern, hand embroidered onto the black fabric in silver metallic thread, catches the light, making it shimmer.
The final touch is a silver mirrored tie. It’s flashy and fabulous and spectacular with the rest of the ensemble. I drape it around my neck, slip into the vest, and fasten the tiny silver buttons at the front. Cinching the black silk cords at the back pulls the entire piece tight, molding it to my torso. It accentuates my small waist and makes my chest and shoulders appear broader. It’s sexy without being revealing, and I love it!
I check myself in the mirror, turning to see the whole ensemble from every angle. The pants hug me in all the right places, and the vest hits just at the curve of my ass. I lookdelish. I slip into the suit jacket as my phone buzzes with another text.
