Page 5 of Off Limits

I placed my fork on the plate and regarded him seriously. “I want to thank you for everything you did for me while I was growing up. You always gave me somewhere to hang out without getting frustrated that I was constantly in your space. You made sure I had enough to eat, and gave me rides if I needed to go somewhere. None of that was your responsibility, but you did it without question. I didn’t know what to say to thank you as a kid, but please know that none of it went unnoticed. I appreciate everything, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.”

Richmond blinked his wide, surprised eyes before his expression softened into a beautiful smile. “It was my pleasure. Even with everything you had going on at home, you were always a polite and cheerful kid. I’m happy you were in Wade’s life…and my life as well. You always helped me remember to be positive and grateful.”

His words warmed me to my core. I had no idea I’d had a positive effect on him, or that he ever thought of me as anything but his son’s clingy friend. I hoped one day our relationship could bloom and grow into something beautiful.

“I also want to thank you for helping Wade and me with the house. Which reminds me…” I dug in my pocket and pulled out a folded check, which I handed to Richmond.

“What’s this?”

“It’s to go towards the rent and utilities. It’s not quite half,” I admitted sheepishly. I’d held a job throughout school to help cover my food and necessities, but my classes prevented me from working a ton of hours. I didn’t have much left over, but I wanted to help pay my way. “Once I find a new job, I promise to make up the rest.”

“I don’t want this,” Richmond argued, trying to hand the paper back to me. “I’m happy to cover the expenses. Hell, it’s worth it not to have Wade in my business constantly,” he tried to joke, but I didn’t laugh.

“Please, it’s…it’s important to me.” After everything he’d done for me in my lifetime, I wanted to pay him back in some way. Above that, I wanted Richmond to see me as an equal; not some kid he was responsible for. It was the same reason I called him by his first name. When I called him Richmond for the first time, I worried he would see it as disrespectful, but his blush told me he didn't mind the change.

Finally, he gave me an understanding smile and slipped the check into his own pocket. I had my doubts that he’d ever cash it, but it meant a lot that he accepted it.

I stabbed my noodles as I gathered my thoughts. I had so much to tell him, but I didn’t want to cross any lines. Not yet. But there was one burning truth I needed him to know. “You are the reason I chose my degrees.”

Richmond furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you always talked about how much you enjoyed your job, and how gratifying it was. You inspired me to go into the business world as well.” I swallowed hard and added, “You are the greatest man I’ve ever known, and I wanted to be just like you.”

“Gavin…” No other words followed; they remained swimming in his eyes.

“Financial work wasn’t the best fit for me, but I found my niche in marketing. Every class I took and every case I worked on, I thought of you and pushed harder. The main reason I didn’t visit much during school is because I wanted a chance to get my shit together. I wanted to wait and show you the finished product, and for you to be proud of me.”

Apart from my romantic feelings, I’d put everything out there for him. Because even if he turned me down in the future, I wanted him to know what a great impact he’d had on my life.

Richmond reached over and placed his hand on my arm, the warmth of his skin seeping into mine. “I’ve always been proud of you. I’m touched that I inspired you, but you have nothing to prove to me. All I want is for you to enjoy life, and to be fulfilled and happy.”

He was the kindest, most genuine man I’d ever met. Everything he said only made me fall deeper in love with him. I wanted to bear it all; to confess my feelings and let the chips fall where they may.

But the moment was too perfect. I wanted to cherish it without the risk of everything blowing up in my face. I wanted to craft a memory to hold onto in case things ever turned sour between us.

Richmond squeezed my arm gently before turning back to his food. We ate in silence for a few moments before he asked, “So…did you meet anyone special at school?”

I figured there were two reasons for the question; one, he felt a tiny spark of interest in me, and wanted to see where he stood. Or two, the more likely reason, he felt zero interest, and was just making random conversation.

“Not really,” I shrugged. Fishing for more clues to his motive, I added, “I did my share of comparison shopping, but nothing ever lasted for more than a few nights of fun.” A quick flash of emotion crossed his face, but I was unable to tell if it was jealousy or disgust. “What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

I knew damn well he wasn’t, because of the way I hounded Wade for information. But I wasn’t about to admit it.

“Nah,” he replied with a shake of his head. “I’ve dated a few people, but I haven't found the right person.”

“You will,” I assured. “Who knows; maybe he's closer than you think.”

The corner of his lips twitched. “Maybe he is.”

That was as brave as I got. I steered the conversation back to safe topics, like my college courses, workout tips, or Richmond's job. Talking with him was easy, even without Wade being present. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and I loved making him laugh. When we were together, I didn't focus on the differences between our ages, finances, or anything else. All that mattered was the way he made me feel; light, happy, and safe.

Though I would happily stay and talk to him all night, I didn't want to wear out my welcome, so after a couple of hours, I made the excuse of needing to go home and check on Wade, whom I knew was fine. Richmond packed up some lasagna for me to take to his son before walking me to the front door.

“Thank you again for dinner,” I told him as I stood in the threshold. “And for the great company.”

“I'm glad I didn't bore you too much.”

“I could never be bored with you,” I told him honestly. “I enjoy every minute we're together.”

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