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“You’ll do that for me?”
“Of course,” I reply immediately.
“You guys really are the best,” she says. “Thank you.”
“We’re happy to help,” Callum assures her.
I’m just about to suggest some nighttime fun when she stands up and announces, “I desperately need to get back to my manuscript, guys. I’m getting further and further behind. Thanks for another great dinner, Callum.” And with that, she scurries up the stairs.
“You think she’s okay?” I ask.
“Maybe a little freaked out about everything. Or… she could actuallybebusy and behind schedule. I know I wouldn’t have been any good to get much work done this afternoon if I’d needed to.” Chuckling, he adds, “I basically passed out. You guys were amazing, and maybe she needs to regroup to settle her head. Or… maybe what we did gave her some inspiration for her writing.” He winks at me.
Nodding, I say, “I’m going with the last option. I like the sound of that.” Not really wanting to initiate something just with Callum, I tell him, “I guess I ought to go write up some notes before I forget everything I talked about today in my last consultation.” I think for a moment and add, “I like what we all did. A lot. But I think I’d feel best about it if we maintained a three-person rule for any future… ah… shenanigans. I don’t want to foster any jealousies, and besides, it was fuckinghotthat way. What do you think?”
“I think that sounds amazing. And I can’t wait to return the favor to you and Petra. Oh, and speaking of her, I messed up. I was in a shitty mood and mentioned that we can hear her when she uses her vibrator, and that embarrassed her to death. Iapologized profusely as soon as I said it, but it was a dumb move on my end. I’m so sorry I didn’t keep my big mouth shut.”
“Hm. Well, I guess we’ll have to make her feel special and make it up to her together, if you know what I mean.” I wiggle my eyebrows and get a smile out of him. “We can suggest she uses itwithus. And you can use your big mouth for something better than embarrassing her.”
Nodding, Callum stands up and says, “That sounds good. If everyone is busy tonight, I guess I’ll go downstairs and read for a while. Gunnar Dahl’s newest Lance Wannamaker mystery is tempting me from my Kindle.”
“Oh, you’re a fan? I like his books a lot. Have fun. Good night, Callum.” And then, just because I can’t stop myself, I kiss him on the lips and sprint up the stairs to my office.
So much for keeping my distance when Petra’s not around. Both of them are under my skin in the best way possible. I guess Callum’s right, and I am queer after all. It’s surprising how good I feel about that.
I think about what it would have been like to “come out” to my family and how they would have reacted to a bisexual son and grandson. They probably would have been fine with it. I never had any reason to think that what I did would have caused them to turn against me. I was lucky that way.
Too bad my luck ran out with them. Suddenly, I feel that stabbing sensation where my crushed heart lies in my chest. Some things just plain suck, and there is nothing you can do about it. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going. That’s what Granddad would’ve told me. As I sit down to type up my notes, I have to wipe some moisture from my eyes. Must be because I just yawned. Oh, wait… I didn’t yawn.
All three dogs file into my office, and I give each of them a good snuggle and scritch. One by one, they position themselves around me and lie down to take a nap. It’s funny how they cluein so well when I’m feeling melancholy and need them. At first, Goliath needed me as much as I needed his comfort, but the other two are great about it too. I’m glad he’s not feeling alone. Thinking back… No. I’m not going to think back. It hurts too much. Time to focus on work for a while, then I’ll take the dogs out and go to bed early.
Maybe I can even avoid bad dreams. I’ll concentrate on the fun we had today instead.
Fourteen
Petra
When I showup at my old apartment the next day with the guys, my former roommate Darleen is suddenly graciousness personified. I’ll concede that she’s stunning to look at, but this new cordial side of hers is as phony as her boobs. She clearly has the hots for both of them and wants to impress, so she zips into her bedroom and puts on more makeup and a tighter, more revealing top while they work. When she returns all spruced and fluffed—showing a lot more cleavage—she stands too close when she offers them cold drinks.
Shrinking away from her like she has cooties, they both politely refuse without checking out her assets. Inwardly, I’m fist-pumping.
When Callum asks her for her phone number as they finish the job, she preens and flirts with him, sticking out her boobs. But her expression looks crestfallen when she realizes it’s for the system they’ve installed, and he did not enter her digits into his phone. Finally, after he explains how the system works to her in a very businesslike manner, she blurts in what she clearly thinksis a sexy voice, “Wouldn’t you like my number for yourself?” Wiggle, wiggle, wink, wink. She seems to be going for a Marilyn Monroe act, but to me, she sounds more like Minnie Mouse.
Callum smiles blandly at her and answers, “Not really. Thanks anyway.” He turns to Weston and me and asks, “Ready to leave?”
Darleen looks flirtatiously at Weston then, and before she can open her mouth, he says, “Don’t even ask. But I am glad you kicked Petra out. Your loss is our gain. These two are the greatest roommates anyone has ever had. And that dog of hers? Gus is the best.”
Trying not to laugh in her blinking, incredulous face, I tell her “I’ll be in touch if anything shows up that’s important. In the meantime, please don’t bother me again. And you’re welcome.”
As we load into the car, Callum seems deep in thought and then asks, “Would either of you mind if we stopped at the market and did a little shopping? I want to make something special for dinner tonight, and I need a few things. Since the grocery store is on the way, this would save some time. I could actually get stuff for a few days.”
“Sure thing,” Weston answers. “Market District?”
“Yes. Thanks. You don’t need to get right home for anything, do you Petra?”
“No, I’m good for a while. And it might be interesting for Weston and me to see you in action.”
The market is huge and high-end. Weston and I get a kick out of watching Callum discuss cuts of meat and types of fish with the butchers, who seem to recognize him, and we watch as he pores over the produce, examining each item carefully. He discounts plenty of pieces of fruit that I’d have just tossed into my cart, so I’m beginning to get the idea that the reason our meals are so divine is because he is not only a creative andvery talented chef, but he also cares about every last tiny detail. Knowing his level of concern warms my heart.
