Page 73 of Comforting the Grump

“Be honest,” Auden said simply. “With yourself and with Ennio. Tell him how you feel. Love thrives on honesty and communication.”

Love. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, overwhelming and all-consuming.

I was in love with Ennio Frant.

And all I wanted was to make him happy.

“Listen, change of subject, but can I ask you something about that property next to Brianna’s?”

24

ENNIO

The whole weekend had been magical, like something from a Hallmark movie. From the spectacular sex on the day we arrived to him claiming me at the party and then that romantic stroll we’d taken through town, everything had been picture-perfect. Something had shifted between us, changed into…

I wasn’t sure into what, but we were more than friends with benefits. We were together—Marnin had said so himself. He might not have made any promises, but I didn’t need them. Would I want to hear that he loved me? Of course, but I wasn’t counting on that happening anytime soon. Marnin wasn’t a man of words. His actions showed his character. He cared for me more than I had expected, and for now, that was enough.

Sadly, all good times must come to an end, so late Sunday night, we’d made the trek back to Seattle, where the streets were a mushy, slippery slush, and the sky was endlessly gray. I missed Forestville, though I didn’t tell Marnin that. My guess was he knew anyway. The man missed very little.

“We have a charity gala on Friday,” Marnin said during dinner, which was a simple but delicious risotto.

“For your work?”

He nodded. “LeClerc Robotics hosts one every year, and the proceeds benefit several charities the company supports, ranging from research into glioblastoma to group homes for queer kids. It’s pretty awesome, actually, and we usually raise a fuck ton of money. It’s a whole show where everyone dresses up fancy and they serve ridiculously expensive finger food, but it draws the rich and famous. Hell, they even have a bachelor auction.”

“Do you participate in that?”

He looked at me with an expression of sheer horror. “Fuck no, and if Sebastian made me, I’d quit on the spot.”

I snorted. Classic Marnin answer. “But you do attend?”

“It’s… I won’t say required, but let’s just say Hadley, Sebastian’s husband, is the most persuasive person I’ve ever met. It’s easier to go along with whatever he wants than to fight him since that is a waste of time and energy.”

“I want to meet him.”

Marnin rolled his eyes. “The two of you together is a recipe for disaster, but you’ll have your chance on Friday…if you’ll come with me.”

My mouth ran suddenly dry. “You want me to come with you?”

“Yes.”

“As your…?”

He swallowed. “As my date.”

Pure joy exploded inside me. “Are you sure?”

His face filled with a puzzled expression. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because…” I hesitated. Maybe I was overthinking things, but I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t say it. “I’m not exactly corporate safe, you know. My appearance, I mean. I’m very…gay.”

Understanding dawned in his eyes. “I’m out at work. Always have been.”

“Sure, but there’s a difference between knowing someone is gay or bi or pan or whatever, and seeing it with your own eyes. I don’t blend in, Marnin.”

“No, you stand out…as you should. You’re fucking gorgeous the way you are, and I’m proud to have you on my arm.”

Tell me that was not a declaration of love right there. My whole heart jumped inside me, recognizing the emotion behind that statement. “Thank you.”

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