Page 144 of Loving the Legend
He groans. “Whenever we’re on the road, he’s the first to break out in song. Unfortunately, he’s the only one on our team who’s spent years singing in a church choir. I want to stab my ears when he gets the other guys going.”
“Worried my voice will make you melt?” Arnaz fires back.
What the actual fuck? He’s flirting with him. I may have doubted his stare earlier, but now I’m pretty sure Arnaz has a crush on him.
“Not a chance. You’re not my type,” Sid quips.
Does he not realize Arnaz is into him?
“Hey! I could be a gorgeous actress or model!” Arnaz fires back.
The smile drains from Sid’s face. He mentioned wanting to come out to a few close friends. I never asked him not to, but I was candid about it being risky for us. It wouldn’t take much for people to know about me if they know he’s bi. Or maybe I’m just being paranoid. It’s clear he’s become close to Arnaz, and it has to suck lying to him.
“Well, if I am no longer required here, I’ll go make the rounds,” I interject.
“Thanks for convincing me to listen toKing of Outcastson my way home, brainiac,” Arnaz says.
I nod and glance at Sid. Our eyes lock briefly, and he looks sad.
I know.Even if we have reasons for not being out, hiding sucks hard.
With the help of the additional volunteers, we finish the project in under five hours. We help move all of the tools and extra supplies into the shed. Everyone poses for pictures before we head out. Sid leaves with the other Royals, but I stay behind with the grassroots organizers to shake hands with the volunteers and thank them for coming.
I find Sid showered and lounging by the pool when I get home. Frank Ocean is playing from the outdoor speakers.
“Aw, man, you changed? I wanted you to rail me in that sexy gardener porn star outfit you were wearing.” I bend down to kiss him.
He kisses me back, but I sense that he’s tense.
“What’s wrong? Sorry if I smell like compost. I’ll shower.”
“You smell fine," he says, staring off toward the pool. "It's getting old lying to our friends, you know? Being around our teammates, their spouses, and kids. Having you so close and pretending we’re just friends.”
“I know. It felt hard for me too.” I kneel next to him. "Guess what? I told Phil that I’m in a serious relationship.”
I know it’s not much, but it’s a step.
His eyes light up. “Yeah?”
I nod. “I think you were right. He made a flirty comment, and I just blurted it out.”
“Flirty, how?” He starts to sit up.
“Chill. It was something silly about wanting to come over to see my garden.”
“That’s fucking direct. How about I go visit him—”
“Chilllll. I told him I’m in a serious relationship and feel really lucky.” I caress his neck and ears.
He captures my hand and brings it to his mouth for a kiss. “It felt good to tell him?”
“So good. I bet he could tell I’m in love, and it felt amazing to show that. I mean, I’m already out to him, so it felt easy.”
He nods and leans back.
“Not to change the subject, but you and Arnaz seem like close friends?” I ask.
He seems to think about it. “I guess so. More so than the other guys. Why?”
