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Even after last night’s events, I don’t feel any closer to making a decision. Several times, I’ve caught myself listening out for Elijah expecting him to speak to me just like the clairvoyant said. It isn’t that simple, I guess, but unfortunately, the seed of guilt is growing, and it’s taking me along with it.
I’m nervous having Andy and Julian together. It isn’t the first time they’ve met, and Andy has talked a few times about Julian being Blaze’s daddy. Of course, I bring Ash with us, happily lying in the back seat with Andy, head resting on his paws with his eyes closed.
We pull up to the house, and I take a few deep breaths. I give myself a moment before exiting the car, allowing Ash to run free. He is wagging his tail, happy to see his mother. I nudge Andy gently and whisper his name. He stirs slightly, then opens his eyes. He is dazed and confused but slowly works out that we’re at Hazel’s. I pick him up and carry him, walking along the pebbled path to the back of the house. As I turn the corner, the familiarity of all the old faces comforts me, and my fears subside.
Hazel is the first to greet me, immediately taking Andy into her arms. I wipe the hair away from his forehead and kiss him gently. She rocks him back and forth singing his favorite song as he sticks his thumb into his mouth sucking on it for comfort.
“Honey child, look at you. Damn!”
The clicks of the over-the-top platforms move toward us, and Penny is holding my arms out, inspecting my outfit with a nodding approval. “Girl, if I had a body like yours, I’d tell my man to watch out.” She raises her eyebrow at Julian and then swats her hand at him in a friendly gesture.
My eyes are drawn to him as he stands against the wall, dressed in a denim button-down shirt folded midway up his arms, showing off his glorious forearms. His light tan dress shorts complement his shirt, and lastly, my eyes scroll down to his footwear, Chucks. Dear God, he’s a walking runway model. I quickly move my eyes back up to his face, his perfect grin and dancing eyes are watching me in amusement. It may have been my deprived body, but I swear he licks his lips to tease me, biting his bottom lip as I continue to be rendered speechless.
He knows he has my attention—my knees threaten to buckle under his gaze.
“He is very aware of how hot and sexy his girlfriend is, and that she doesn’t realize that men actually turn around to look at her.”
A shy grin escapes me, my cheeks flushing at the sentiment. Did he just say girlfriend?
Penny is fanning herself in her usual flamboyant way. “Mmm… damn! Why can’t a man say that about me?”
Hazel offers to take Andy inside for some milk, allowing us to have some private time. As soon as they enter the house, my body moves toward Julian. He places his hands on my cheekbones, kissing me deeply. Even with Penny watching, I find myself melting into him, my hands trying ridiculously hard to behave themselves.
“I miss you,” he says with his lips brushing against mine.
“You mean you miss your girlfriend?”
He steps back with his palm cupped into my cheek. “I hate that word, but socially, yes, you are.”
“Like OMG,” I brag. “I got myself a boyfriend.”
Penny is laughing until she realizes her wig has shifted, and in a blind panic, she is busily arranging it so it’s back into position. This sight alone causes us to erupt into laughter. I rest my hand on Julian’s chest trying to compose myself and also as an excuse to touch him again.
It’s refreshing to be open with our friends. Penny has known we’re seeing each other for a while. She isn’t one to judge, and knowing our history, she embraces our relationship with open arms. Julian and Penny are great friends, and unlike others, she understands him and got to know the real Julian much like I did. He never treats Penny any less than she deserves. They resumed bingo night with Eric in tow, and Julian always speaks highly of their friendship. On a few occasions, he mentions writing a few pieces for an LGBTQ website, a topic he is extremely passionate about.
Hazel is also happy to see us together, giving much-needed advice to both of us on several occasions. Having lost her husband, I rely on her wisdom to help me overcome the guilt of being with Julian. I have to admit she is biased—Julian is like a son to her. She admits that having him around gives her peace—he has so many qualities like her son, and because of that, she has grown to love him like her own. How can you not love him? He is perfect.
“You understand we can’t be so open with Andy, right?” I quickly remind him.
“Of course. We talked about this. One step at a time. I can keep my hands off you.”
“Wait, you know how to do that?” Shocked, I withhold a smile and put on my poker face.
“You got me there.” He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling my body in flush with his. “Two minutes, down by that bush, it’s all I need.”
I swat his arm. “Two minutes now? It’s getting shorter and shorter.”
“Like you can talk. One minute and fifteen seconds,” he teases.
“You time me?”
He appears to be amused as the corner of his lips rise, flashing his beautiful teeth.
“Oh, that’s nothing, honey. Once, I only looked at a guy’s schlong, and I jizzed right on the spot,” Penny admits.
“Wow!” I exclaim. “How big was it?”
“Okay, ladies. I’m going inside to fetch Andy. This conversation is all yours.” Julian has left us, happy to walk away and avoid Penny’s wild stories. They make Eric look like an amateur.
