Page 23 of Protecting the Nerd

“Didn’t you just confirm I’m the expert here? Seeing as how I’ve been gay my entire life, have never looked at a girl twice, and yes, have a boyfriend who has won ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ more than once, I know handsome.”

“But you don’t… I’m not… I have no idea what you’re saying.”

Fir took my hand. “What I’m saying is that you’re a catch, York Coombe, and anyone should count themselves lucky and proud to be by your side. You’re cute, handsome, sweet, kind, super smart, and loyal to a fault. The only reason you and Quillon might not match is that I’m not convinced he’s good enough for you, even if it’s fake.”

I was dumbstruck by his words and, at the same time, touched to the point of my eyes growing moist. “That’s… I don’t know what to say.”

“You could agree with me.”

“On the super smart, yes. That part, I’m happy to concede. But the rest?” I swallowed. “It’s like you’re talking about someone else.”

Fir, still holding my hand, sent me a sad smile. “No, honey, I’m talking about you, and one day, I hope you’ll be able to see yourself the way I do.”

I doubted I ever would, but I still appreciated the sentiment. “You’re the best friend a man could have.”

“Aw, thank you, but so are you. I’m so glad we found each other.”

That was what I loved about Fir. He was able to say shit like that without it being weird or sounding forced. He meant it, and that sincerity always came across.

Quillon’s footsteps came down the stairs. Fir let go of my hand and sat back, one leg crossed. I inhaled deeply, calming myself. Quillon didn’t need to see my vulnerability.

“So, am I the only one who knows the truth?” Fir asked as if the entire conversation between us had never happened.

“You and Auden,” I said.

“I’m glad you’re telling him. He’ll be able to inform you if anyone new arrives or if anything unusual happens. ‘Cause if it does, he’ll be the first to know.”

“Which is what I told Quillon. Auden will be our next stop, and then we’re done with all the socializing, and I can have some peace and quiet.”

Quillon cleared his throat, and I looked at him quizzically, but he didn’t say anything.

Fir chuckled. “I think he was trying to signal that what you said could come across as you being here against your wishes, but I know that’s not what you meant.”

Oh fuck. Quillon was right. To anyone else, it would’ve sounded like I wasn’t enjoying myself and was counting down the days until I could leave. But Fir wouldn’t take it like that. “It’s been a long day.”

“I know.”

I rubbed my temples. “You know I don’t like people, and today has been a lot of peopling.”

“York…” Fir waited until I looked up again. “Stop explaining yourself. There’s no need.”

I breathed out. “Thank you.”

Fir rose. “Go hit Auden up and then take some time to decompress. Tomás had a new Jacuzzi installed in the main bathroom that I have personally tested and found to be very relaxing.”

I laughed. “I guess you weren’t by yourself, though.”

“A gentleman never tells…”

At the door, he hugged me fiercely. “Be careful, York. Please don’t do anything stupid.”

“I promise. And I’ll be by later this week to play chess with Gabe.”

“I’ll let him know. He’ll be over the moon.”

Fir extended his hand to Quillon. Hmm, they hadn’t interacted much. Quillon had stayed upstairs for a long time. That phone call must’ve been important.

“Keep him safe,” Fir said.

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