Wishing for Yesterday by A. M. Kusi

Author:A. M. Kusi [Kusi, A. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Our Peaceful Family

29

RICKY

Ricky jogged up the steps to Everett’s apartment with a spring in his step. He knocked.

The door opened and Everett smiled back at him. “Hey, handsome. How was the workout with your client?”

“It was good.” Ricky flicked a glance down the steps to the snowy sidewalk. Someone passed by but didn’t linger.

When he focused back on Everett, it was impossible not to see the hurt flash in his eyes. Ricky was doing a shitty job at whatever this was between them. But he had to figure this out before confronting his family. They deserved that at least.

He lifted the bags of takeout in his hand by way of apology. “I brought dinner.”

“Smells like my favorite.” Everett stepped aside.

“Because it is.” Ricky entered the apartment and slipped off his shoes.

He leaned in and kissed Everett in greeting. He might not have been perfect, but he could give Everett this.

Ricky padded to the kitchen and set the bags on the counter.

Everett opened a cupboard and pulled out two plates. “Beer? Or vodka?”

“I think it’s a beer kind of night.”

Everett plucked two from the refrigerator and popped the tops. He grabbed two forks before setting it all at the small table by the window in the tiny kitchen.

Ricky opened the food and dished out their plates before carrying them over to take a seat across from Everett. They moved in sync, a dance they’d come to know pretty well these last couple weeks since their weekend away.

“Thanks for getting dinner,” Everett said, digging his fork into some pork lo mein.

“You’re welcome.” Ricky grabbed a crab rangoon and bit into it. The creamy filling spilled out on his tongue. “Mmmm.”

“Good?”

“Not as good as your cream filling.” Ricky winked.

Everett barked out a laugh and shook his head.

They ate for a few minutes before Everett asked, “I was thinking about trying out Atlantis for dinner this week. I kind of miss Atlas’s cooking from when I stayed at the Lighthouse Inn.”

“He’s a great chef. All the pasta is house-made, fresh. And his vodka sauce is to die for,” Ricky said before stuffing another bite of food in his mouth.

“So you’re okay if I make reservations for Friday?”

“Sure. I can fend for myself for one night. It’s not like I haven’t before.” Other than Sunday dinners with his family, he’d spent just about every night with Everett since they’d gone to Concord.

“I meant a reservation for the two of us.” Everett set his fork down.

The sliver of panic that threaded through Ricky just added to his guilt. He was holding Everett back. What if he was never able to push past this fear?

“Guys have dinner as friends all the time, if that’s what you’re worried about. I don’t see how it’s different than going to the gym together.” Everett lifted the beer to his lips and took a sip.

Ricky wiped his hands on a napkin and blew out a breath.

“Let’s talk about this. Can you tell me what you’re thinking right now? No judgment,” Everett pressed.

“I don’t want to hurt you, and I know I am.

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