Page 10 of Alfie: Part Two

“Oh. I figured, with the clothes…” Today’s colors were two shades of dark blue, and he looked out of this world. Paired with rustic tan leather shoes and a matching belt, it reminded me of what I’d stupidly bought last week in the city. I’d seen a simpler model of a watch from a brand I’d always admired in a store window, and I didn’t know what I’d been thinking. I’d gone in there, thinking I might buy something, and then I’d laid eyes on a display picture of a beautiful chronograph that had to be ordered directly from Switzerland. It had a white dial but dark blue accents and a leather strap, so it would go very well with what he was wearing today. Blue and brown was one of my favorite color combinations, especially leather, especially those earthy tones of saddle brown and tan. And heknewthis.

He glanced down, then shrugged. “They’re growing on me more.”

I could tell. He looked comfortable, albeit tired.

The latter was relatable.

We’d only seen each other at drop-offs since that night at his place, and we hadn’t spoken properly. Just kid-related topics.

I loathed it.

I stopped at the doors outside the guest room, and I dug the pack and a lighter out from a potted rosebush.

“Fuck, it’s like you can read my mind. I’ve been craving one all day,” he said.

“I usually cave when I’m stuck in traffic after work.” I lit mine up and handed the lighter to him. “It’s been one too many lately, though.” One too many late-night drinks too.

We automatically snuck around the corner of the house, where we’d have more privacy. If Trip came out, we’d hear him and have time to hide the evidence.

It wasn’t our first rodeo.

“Colby mentioned you look like shit lately.”

I frowned. “Pardon?”

“Not in those words. He said you’re tired.”

Well, thanks a lot.

I swallowed uncomfortably and pretended to find the hedges interesting. They needed trimming soon.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Fuck, not that question.

No, I wasn’t fucking okay, and it wasn’t okay that he looked to be okay.

The pressure on my chest increased, and I took a quick pull from the smoke.

“It’s been a lot at work before my vacation,” I said. That wasn’t too much of a lie.

“Oh, right. You’re off for five weeks now.” He exhaled some smoke. “Any plans?”

I shook my head and peered down at his wrist. I wanted to give him the watch.

Would he find me utterly insane? I had no real reason, aside from missing him. Missing the days we sometimes surprised each other with little gifts, missing the days he casually adjusted my tie for me, missing the days of closeness and intimacy.

I just plain missed him.

“Would, uh…” I cleared my throat. “Would you accept a gift from me?”

“Huh?” He looked over at me.

“Or is it too weird?” I wasn’t sure. “I saw something after a meeting in the city last week, and I—” I stopped short, my heart rate picking up, and I handed him my smoke. “I’ll be right back.”

I rounded the corner again and walked briskly toward the guest room’s terrace door. I’d left the box on the bed?—

“Yeah, it’s kinda weird!” I heard Alfie holler.

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