Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“Wasn’t planned,” I say, playing with the shoelace-bracelet on my wrist.
“Hope you used protection then,” Road says with a smirk and bites into his sandwich.
“Did you seek me out just to mock me?”
Road shrugs, rubbing his crooked nose. “No. Just wondering why you’re here, sulking, instead of trying to win him over after… whatever that thing with Rooster was. He literally lives in the village, couldn’t be easier.”
I shake my head and slouch even more. “You don’t understand. He doesn’t want to see me. I’m sure all of you know by now that I abducted him. I fucked it all up.”
Road shrugs. “I admit, bit unconventional as far as meet-cutes go. But when Clyde and I visited him, you were all he wanted to talk about. Pretty sure he does want to see you.”
That makes me perk up, and I look at Road. “He did? What did he say?”
A sly smile crooks my friend’s face, but he keeps me guessing and takes a huge bite of his sandwich instead of answering like a normal person. “He wanted to know if you dated anyone before and asked when do we think you’re gonna show up. Seems you took two more days to grace him with your presence. You trying to mindfuck him or something?”
“It’s not a game. I just thought… I didn’t want to bother him, but in your opinion, when he asked about dating, was it because he was interested in me?” The very idea that I might still have a chance makes my heart beat faster. What if the ship hasn’t sailed? What if I can load it with gifts, and apologies, and visits, so it never does?
“Well, he didn’t go into much detail about what exactly happened between you two, just that you saved him. He asked what you like to eat, which to me seems like he wanted to have it on hand, in case you came over. But you have to strike before the iron cools, right? Love is a hunt, and believe me, that boy is no hunter. You need to put yourself out there and win him over.”
I let that hang in the air for a while. It’s tough to have these conversations. Until last year, I’d not even come out to anyone, and I struggle as it is.
Socially awkward.
Guess I need to grit my teeth and get better at it.
“If I… got him a gift. Should I present it to him, or leave it on the porch?”
Road groans. “I can’t believe you. Face him. Tell him you like him. He might be annoyed at you after that thing with Rooster, but he is waiting for your move. He’s not like Clyde, and we both see that, right? Initiative, man.”
Yeah, Road’s husband is just as wild and violent as he is, whereas Angel is sweet and precious. It makes sense that wooing him will require a different approach. The ember of hope inside me starts burning brighter.
“I do like him,” I say as if it wasn’t obvious. I want to crawl under his skin and live there like the parasite I am. “I’ll do it. I just need to find the right moment.”
“None of that shit,” Road says, grabbing my shoulder, as if he wants to shake me. “No more waiting. Knock on his door. Make him see you. Take him fishing, or something, but do it today.”
I get up. “Okay. I’m going.”
“Oh. I mean, give it three hours or so, because he’s gone with Prophet to get stuff from his house. At least that means he’s not bailing on Vulture Hollow. I’m actually surprised Prophet let Angel rope him into it.”
“Fuck!” I could have been the one to help him move. But then another, even slimier thought crawls into my jealousy infested brain. “Prophet. Do you think he’s actually bisexual, or just talked shit so the guys would shut up about you and Clyde?” I ask when I recall Prophet mentioning he got head from men a few times. He couldn’t possibly expect Angel to barter his soft lips for help?
Road stares at me, as if I just told him car wheels are made of pepperoni. “Well… I know he wouldn’t try to take your boy from you. He probably just wants to know what he’s about if he’s gonna live here.”
My boy.
My boy.
I want that to be the truth so badly. I don’t even know how being together would look like when I have all my fucked-up quirks and baggage, but for once, I want it so much I’m willing to bear the inadequacy still to come. He might find out my kinks and be repulsed. He might find me insufferable in the long-term. He might chew me up and spit me out.
But if I don’t try, I won’t know.
“Okay,” I say and head for the garage to get my bike back.