Page 18 of Forfeits

Patrick started laughing while I turned beet red.

“I did not meet him on Grindr. How do you know about Grindr? Jesus Christ.”

“Everyone knows about Grindr,” Patrick said.

“Make sure you use protection,” Lucy said, in a very sober voice.

“Lucy, cut it out. I know how to—and we’re not having— Patrick, help.”

Patrick raised his hand and shook his head. “She’s your kid.”

“Is he cute? Can I see a photo?”

“Lucy!”

Patrick doubled over, as I glared at him. “I could use some help here.”

“I mean, she’s right. You might want to.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“No, I’m not going to have casual sex, not on the first date.” Wow, nice hypocritical stance, there, Fletcher.

“Okay,” Lucy said, grinning with a wickedness that came right down the gene lines from Daniel.

“Don’t you have homework to do?”

“Fine. If I hear you come home with someone, I’ll put my noise-canceling headphones on.”

“I’m not bringing him here!” I was definitely not bringing him here…for many reasons.

Patrick offered to stay overnight, if necessary.

“I don’t need you to—” I said, tidying up the papers on the dining room table, my cheeks aflame. “For God’s sake, it’s the first time I’ve dated the guy. I don’t work that fast.”

Chapter Four

Hunger

Aiden had suggested we meet at Johnny Farina at seven o’clock.

I hadn’t gone for dinner with a man since Daniel had passed, which was going on three years. And I hadn’t gone on a first date with someone since long before that. No wonder I felt out of my depth. My curiosity about Aiden, my attraction to this man that I had seen in a moment of misguided recklessness, who might be kinky, helped me to gird my loins and push forward.

But I was in no way prepared for the sight of most likely kinky Aiden Thompson in black skinny jeans, Doc Martens and a black button-up that did wonderful things to his athletic physique. And that smile! He stood outside the heritage building that had housed a movie theater before being transformed into one of Ottawa’s most renowned Italian eateries.

Some of the anxious knots in my stomach turn into lust as I moved forward to greet him. Except, what was the etiquette? Did we shake hands? Did we kiss on the cheek?

“Hi, Aiden,” I said, hoping he would help me out.

“Fletcher, it’s great to see you outside of school.” Aiden grinned, then frowned. “Wait! That sounds wrong.”

We laughed.

“Well, way to make me feel young again,” I said, offering my hand.

Aiden took it, but instead of giving it a cursory shake, he held it for a few extra beats and let go, keeping his eyes on mine. I found myself adrift in them.

“How are you?” he asked, with genuine concern.

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