A Snowball's Chance in Texas by Jen FitzGerald

Author:Jen FitzGerald
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jen FitzGerald

Chapter Thirteen

“Nothing.”

Caleb stopped them just before they turned up the walkway.

“It’s not nothing. I can feel your tension in the grip of your hand.”

Matt sighed. “I don’t know what I’m doing. What we’re doing.”

“If you’re uncomfortable with this, we can go home. No harm, no foul.”

“But you seemed so excited about the party the other night. And today too.”

“Well, sure. If we were really seeing each other, I’d want to show interest in your job and your co-workers. And I’m a sociable guy. I like meeting new people. That’s all.” Caleb raised their joined hands and kissed the back of Matt’s. “If you want to go home, I’m happy to call Dave and say something came up. Whatever you want.”

Matt felt the mixed signals again. That kiss…that was a relationship thing for all that they really weren’t in a relationship. It wasn’t necessary even for the ruse. What did it mean?

“Hey, guys! Everything okay?”

They both cranked their heads toward the voice to see Greg in the doorway, waving, music filtering outside.

Greg visibly shivered. “Come inside. It’s way too cold out there.”

Caleb waved back. “Well, shoot. Sorry. Looks like we’re gonna have to make an appearance. I can fake a call from Mamá needing some help with my dad’s party, if you need me too. Just say the word.”

Matt smiled, lifted a hand toward Greg too. “No, it’s fine. We’ll figure it out.” How hard would it be? They didn’t have to do much but stand close together and chat with his other co-workers. Easy peasy, right?

“Hey, hey, welcome.” Greg stepped back to allow them entry once they reached the porch.

The party seemed to be in full swing. Chatter and laughter sounded from all directions and classic rock echoed throughout the house.

“Dave’s on the patio, manning the grill,” Greg said, waving into the house before closing the door, his head bouncing in time with the music.

“Where else but Texas can you barbecue in February?” replied Caleb with a grin. “Gotta love it.”

“Absolutely,” said Greg, his slightly pudgy cheeks flushed as if he’d already had a few. Which he probably had. With a bottle gripped between his fingers, he pointed. “Kitchen is that-a-way. Help yourself, and make yourselves at home.”

“Thanks,” said Matt.

He and Caleb made their way through the living room and ran into other members of the orchestra. Matt introduced Caleb and left him chatting with a French horn player and his wife. He headed for the kitchen with the snacks and beer they’d brought. He grabbed a can of soda and wandered around, admiring the house itself. For a pair of bachelors, the house was well put together; comfortable and inviting. Matt moved from room to room, saying hello to various orchestra mates as well as introducing himself to some of Dave’s and Greg’s friends from outside the orchestra. The two of them didn’t do everything together, it seemed.

Dave played on a pseudo baseball league full of other folks with crazy work schedules, including a couple of cops and several firefighters, as well as the kettle drum player and a French horn player.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.