Page 19 of Magnetic God

Monday, November 22 @11:30pm

Got any plans for Thanksgiving?

Just hanging around the dorm. Why? What’s up?

By the time I reached out to my dad, he had already made plans with a coworker. He invited me, but I didn’t want to intrude. Mostly because he’s mentioned this coworker a lot. I think he likes her. So, I stayed at the dorms.

Well, I have some time off. Thought it might be cool if we saw each other for a bit.

I’m all ears.

I can come to you, or you can come to me. Or, if we’re feeling really wild, we can meet somewhere warm.

Somewhere warm sounds really nice right now.

Hawaii?

College student here, so no. Maybe Houston?

How about this? You agree to Hawaii, and I’ll pay for it.

I shouldn’t…

Come on, Angel. My bones need a break from the cold.

Okay.

Really?

Yes.

Fuck, yeah!

Wednesday, November 24 @7:45am

I’m on my way to the airport.

See you soon, Angel.

Nine hours later, I land in Honolulu. Brooks is waiting for me at the baggage claim. I snort when I see the black ball cap on his head. He told me jokingly that he was going to come incognito, but nothing is going to make that man blend in.

“Angel,” he greets, pulling me in for a tight hug.

I hug him back, inhaling. God, he smells so good.

“Fuck,” he says as we pull apart. “I’ve missed you.”

“Same.”

He takes my hand. “Let’s get your bag and get to the hotel. I’m ready to lie on the beach with you.”

Feeling like I’m in a dream, I allow myself to stay in the moment and enjoy my time with Brooks. With each day that passes, I find myself wishing that he’d kiss me. But he doesn’t. He’s sweet. Attentive. A gentleman. And doesn’t try anything.

By the time we part at the airport four days later, I’m feeling frustrated. He hugged me before he boarded his flight, but that’s it. There was a moment when I thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn’t.

My heart pulls.

Why didn’t he kiss me?

---