Page 60 of Filthy Little Secret

20

MARK

“Hey, man. How’s it going?” Keith asks.

“Fine.”

He’d caught me off guard when he and his buddies walked into the restaurant I work at. I hold a tray of drinks as I move out of a woman’s path on her way back to her table.

“You’ve just been busier than ever right now. We need to hang out soon.”

“Yeah, for sure.”

I shouldn’t feel bad.

It’s not like he was dating Tim or anything, and he’s been fucking friending it up with the guy who cheated on me, but for some reason, now that Tim and I are a couple, I know I have to say something to him.

It was one thing when we were just fucking and I was sure that things weren’t heading anywhere.

Now I know better.

One day, sooner or later, I’ll explain to him what’s going on between us and why I never mentioned it.

I remind myself we’re not good friends. The only reason I know him is because he and Greg are both in the same major so they take a bunch of classes together.

Doesn’t make me feel any better, though. I’m tired of secrets.

“What have you been up to?” he asks.

“Oh, nothing much.”

Just tell him.

But right now isn’t the time or place to talk to him about my relationship with Tim.

It’s been so long that I doubt he’ll even care. Although that’s not true. I remember all the tears he cried. And being the one he turned to when Tim left him for dead.

Of all the awkward shit I could be dealing with right now, why does this have to be an issue?

We catch up a little…me leaving out the reality of what I’m up to now before he heads off with his buddies.

I’m ashamed that I’m not out to him.

I don’t like keeping Tim a secret from the world.

I’m not ashamed of him.

Maybe he doesn’t want to be associated with the governor’s son, but I care about him, and I don’t care who knows about it.

At the same time, I can just imagine what would happen if this leaked to some reporter. God, Mom would have a fucking fit.

I shake that off and continue bussing my tables.

We’ve only technically been an official couple for a few weeks, so I can fucking wait to figure this out.

I’ve had so much fun, and he’s a great guy. He tries to show the world his tough side, but he has a sweet side, too. A sweet, caring side and I feel so safe when I’m wrapped in his arms.

I just hope it doesn’t have to end.

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