Page 18 of Studious
Shelby tugs on my sleeve. “C’mon. Let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving.”
I’d like to nibble on Danny, but I suppose a sandwich will have to do.
* * *
Shelby plops down next to me in the lunch spot downstairs and tilts his head. “So, what do you think so far?”
“Everyone’s really nice. I’m sure I’ll like the work.” The other founder of the firm, August Ramirez, is sitting with Noah at the table next to us, but the place is noisy, so we can’t really hear their conversation. As Noah said earlier, a lot of the firm’s attorneys, as well as quite a few paralegals and office staff, are eating together. Many names to remember. I’m grateful to have Shelby to talk to, because he’s so bubbly and nonthreatening.
He sips his soda through a paper straw. “Uh-huh. And what about Danny?”
I startle and knock over my Coke. Thankfully, there’s a lid on it, so only a few drops spill. Shelby grabs some brown paper napkins and helps me put everything to rights. “What about him?”
“I saw the way you looked at him.”
My cheeks heat. “Well, um. He’s good-looking.”
He gets a faraway look and sighs. “That he is. My advice, though, is don’t go for him. He has a new guy every night.”
“How do you know that?”
Shelby suddenly goes very stern. He sits up straight and catches my eyes, squaring his shoulders. “This isn’t anything secret: Danny’s totally up front about his social life, plus most of us see each other at the club anyway. I wouldn’t have mentioned it otherwise. But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. We can talk about something else.”
“Oh. I get it. It’s okay. This isn’t harassment. I’m curious.”
“You sure? I don’t want to step over any lines.”
“I’m fine.”
“Then…” He resumes his chatty pose. “I can tell you he’s a healthy boy with a healthy appetite. At least I figure it’s healthy. He’s never invited me into his bed, but I’ve seen him work the bar. I’ve seen him lip-lock a guy and take him home in no time flat.”
I sigh. “I wish I could do that.”
“Why can’t you?” He puts both his hands on the table and leans toward me. “Don’t tell me you can’t get a date.”
“I can’t.” I redden. “Well, I’ve been on dates, but I never get to a second one.”
“Really?” Shelby seems genuinely shocked. “But you’re adorable.” He gestures to my entire body. “You have this geeky vibe.”
“Exactly. People don’t like geeks.”
“Oh, sure they do. Or at least some do. Just like they like twinks. Not everyone, of course. We all have our favorite flavor—the types that do it for us. But those who love twinks?” He grins. “Theyloveme. And many, many people will be into you, you adorable techie. I promise.”
“I wish I had your confidence.”
“Why don’t you?”
“Because reasons,” I say, knowing that’s not a very good answer. I’m not eager to explain my inexperience to my coworker, though I expect he’ll figure it out soon enough.
“Hmm. Okay, if you’re not feeling the love the way you deserve to, I can see wanting to step things up a bit. But is being a… arakereally the answer? Surely there’s a happy medium.”
“I’d settle for an indifferent beginning. Maybe I can’t be one, but I’d like to know what it’s like to bewithone.”
“Being with one isn’t all that. While the players may make you feel good, it’s only for that moment. I want to be the center of someone’s world for their entire life.” He bites his fingers. “Although I won’t say no to, well,you know, in the meanwhile.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I mutter.
His eyes widen. “Not at all? Really?”
