Page 13 of Crossed Sticks

LUCA: Sure. I have a thing during the day, but I’ll be finished in the afternoon.

HARPER: Sounds good. Know what you want to do?

As it happened, I had a couple of things in mind, and one of them didn’t involve a bed.

LUCA: There’s a terrific arcade in Cheektowaga. We could get burgers and ice cream after.

HARPER: I haven’t been to an arcade in a long time. It sounds like a lot of fun.

What was that supposed to mean? Was he being sincere or acting like a fuckmouth?

LUCA: Did you doubt me? I don’t do boring. That arcade will never be the same.

HARPER: OMG. Arcade and chill? Are we going to use their bathroom too?

Did he only want to fuck? I’d be down if he did, but I should know so I could let go of the idea of being friends. We’d discussed it earlier, but there was nothing wrong with asking for confirmation.

LUCA: Maybe I should ask what you’re looking for because I don’t want to pressure you. I’d like to get to know each other, but if you’re only looking for hookups, I could do that.

HARPER: I’m kidding around. I want to get to know you too. I absolutely want more chill, but we talked about this. I’d enjoy hanging out in other ways.

I blew out a huge breath. Chill and getting to know Harper would be amazing.

LUCA: Totally down for all that. I had an amazing time with you today, in and out of the bathroom. :)

HARPER: Me too, and I’ll be looking forward to next week. You better text me while I’m gone. I’ll be busy sometimes, but I’ll talk whenever I can.

LUCA: No problem. You can text me too if you want.

HARPER: I will.

There was so much I wanted to know about him, but one thing couldn’t wait.

LUCA: You said you live near the Jitterbug, and so do I. What’s your address?

HARPER: 51 Hurst. You know where it is?

I stared at the phone, wondering if I was seeing things.

LUCA: Seriously? I live at 51 Hurst too.

HARPER: I’m not kidding, but are you?

LUCA: No. What unit are you in?

HARPER: Wouldn’t you like to know? ;) If things go well next Tuesday, you’ll find out then.

LUCA: Guess the pressure’s on. But we could get together now and make another memory to jerk off over while you’re gone. It’s not that late.

HARPER: I can’t, sorry. I have that work thing in the morning, and it’s very important. I’ll need to be sharp.

LUCA: We could make it quick.

HARPER: I still need to pack. It’s tempting, but if we end up together tonight, there won’t be as much to anticipate.

Something about the idea of waiting warmed my cockles. Which only made my cockles harder.

LUCA: You drive a hard bargain. I’m counting down the hours.