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My phone chimed in my other hand. I checked the screen. It was Dash again, this time with a text. A smile stretched my lips as I read it.
Dash: I called, but you didn’t answer. Maybe you don’t want to talk to me. It’s okay if you don’t, but if you do, I’d like to say hi over the phone or in person.
Before I changed my mind, I shot him a quick text, very aware of Romeo still nearby, our hands no longer touching.
Me: Do you know someone named Romeo?
Dash: Yes, why?
Me: He’s standing in front of me. I accidentally spilled coffee on him. He saw your name on my screen and asked about you.
Dash: I don’t know him well but…
Me: But?
Dash: Remember when I brought up being with two men?
The phone fell from my hand and clattered on the floor at my feet. “Holy shit.”
Romeo crouched down to pick it up. He didn’t look at the screen as he stood and handed it to me. “Are you okay?”
“You and Dash?” I asked. “Is there a you and Dash?”
“No. There was a moment, nothing more.”
“I think we just formed our own Dash VIP club without realizing it.”
The big guy with the slick hair walked by the front door and glared at me. I jumped back, knocking into the table. Romeo’s hand went to my arm to steady me.
“Seriously, who are you?” I asked.
“Not here. What were you drinking?”
“Coffee with cream and sugar, although maybe I need something stronger.”
He chuckled softly and turned to go to the counter before I could tell him it wasn’t necessary to buy me another coffee. I sat in the chair, staring stupidly at his back. My phone vibrated, snapping my attention to it.
Dash: I freaked you out, didn’t I?
Me: Yes. No. Maybe?
“Fuck,” I cursed quietly.
Dash: Where are you?
Me: Coffee shop in East Dremest.
Three dots appeared, then stopped. Started. Stopped.
Dash: I’m trying to be respectful of your privacy, but I’m also really curious about how you met Romeo.
Romeo returned with two to-go cups in his hands. “Want to go for a walk?”
Instead of responding, I showed him my phone screen, even scrolling so he could read what Dash said to me.
Romeo set the to-go cups on the table. He looked at me, the phone, and me again. “Uhhh…”
“Still want to go for a walk with me?” I doubted he did after this, but Dash had mentioned honesty the last time I saw him. He’d also said things to me I never expected. I was doing the same with Romeo. It probably wasn’t smart, but I had no idea where to go from here. This was unfamiliar territory.
