Something Like Hail by Jay Bell

Author:Jay Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: lgbt, gay sex, mm romance, male escort, gay love, gay pride, queer fiction, something like summer, mm romance series

Chapter Twelve

Noah arrived back at his apartment in the late afternoon, drenched in sweat but satisfied. The time spent with his clients often involved drinking, and considering how many nights he worked, the calories really added up. Noah didn’t enjoy jogging, and he wasn’t interested in lifting weights. To stay lean he walked. Maybe it was a habit left over from being on the streets for so long. If he didn’t move, his body would grow restless. Often he would drive to Balcones Canyonlands, a wildlife refuge outside of Austin. There he would walk for hours on end. He supposed most people would consider it hiking, but he didn’t load himself up with gear. He simply set out with nothing more than a bottle of water and his driver’s license in a pocket. His wallet stayed home, as did his phone. No distractions. Just him and limited resources. Like how it used to be.

Noah didn’t miss those days. He was always eager to get back to his refrigerator for a cool drink and a snack. But being outside helped center him and acted as a reminder of how lucky he was. Not happy exactly, but no longer starving or fearful for his own future. He wasn’t nearly as alone, either.

Noah picked up his phone before going to the kitchen and noticed more notifications than usual. Three missed calls. At first he thought maybe Felix needed to change plans or cancel. Then he recognized the number because he had once considered it his own. Jerusalem. Why would the shelter be calling him after all this time?

Edith was the most likely answer. Noah felt a pang of guilt. The social worker had always worried about him, and done her best to help when he was still at the shelter. They had stayed in touch after he moved out but with decreasing frequency. He told himself that she had more pressing concerns, other people she needed to help, when really he wanted to distance himself from his own past. Now he questioned that decision. Noah checked his voicemail, and sure enough, Edith’s lightly accented English politely asked him to stop by the shelter at his earliest convenience.

He made a note to do so, then went to take a shower. When getting dressed, he decided on a casual T-shirt and jeans, again not wanting to feel like he was working that night. He put on some music, made a salad, and ate it while catching up with TV shows he liked. He still had time to spare, so he searched Netflix for documentaries on gaming, figuring it would at least give him and Felix something to discuss if their date got awkward.

He found one, but struggled to maintain his focus while watching it because he felt… Nervous? About going on a date? He grinned and decided to embrace the sensation. Noah hopped up, went to check his hair, floss, brush his teeth, and put on cologne. He kept the casual clothes and watched the clock, deciding to leave early in case of unexpected traffic.

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