Page 13 of Rocking the Receiver
Owe you 2? WTH?
It’s endearing how he feigns to ignore how badly I want to be with him, preferably skin on skin.
Elliot
Don’t you remember you said you owed me 1? Well, now you have to make it up to me for this as well, so that’s 2.
And because I’m not a brat and we were on a break (relax, I’m teasing!), I’m not even gonna resent you for forgetting to wish me a happy birthday.
Tossing my salad in the trash can, I sprint to the bathroom to wash my hands and brush my teeth. This little break is my way of pacing myself, not being glued to the screen since I know I am pushing my luck… Gently, but I can’t help it. Must be in my nature.
Rupert
Your birthday’s today? I had no idea, I’m sorry. Maybe I do need to make amends after all.
I’m a bad friend: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!
It’s cute that he has no clue I’m toying with him. Propping the pillows against the headboard, I lie on top of the dark grey comforter of my queen bed.
Elliot
It was on Feb. 29 ;) but thanks.
Rupert
February 29! Wow, you really are a rare brand.
It’s unnerving how much I like the guy as a person. Well, the fact that he’s hot as fuck doesn’t hurt either. He doesn’t even call me out on my bullshit.
Elliot
You’re telling me!
Rupert
18 now, are you?
I won’t allow myself to read between the lines or ruin what we’ve established tonight by teasing him. Maybe he’s contemplating his options. Maybe he’s simply making small talk. Maybe he’s being nice to his best friend’s pushy little brother. Regardless, I’m not ready to cut this short, so I put my cards on the table.
Elliot
Indeed, which isn’t the legal drinking age here, so I guess my initial offer of meeting up for drinks wouldn’t have worked anyway. Too bad.
And just like that, we fall into a series of text messages about this and that. His music influences. My college dreams. Our next encounter. It’ll probably have to wait a few more months. A normal conversation between friends unfolds. I’m amazed that he’s actually a good listener. He’s pretty open as well.
The one subject we don’t broach is his sexual orientation—or mine, for that matter. We know where we stand, even if we are both closeted. From what he says, I get that he now lives on hisown, so his fake girlfriend—who apparently existed since Tim met her—is out of the picture and he’s not attached to anyone else. The jealous part of my heart is soothed.
I haven’t felt this at ease with anyone in like… forever. I don’t even have to censure myself or be my usual boisterous self. Texting Rupert, I can just…
Be myself.
CHAPTER 8
HE TOUCHED ME
Rupert
The soft humof the elegant crowd fills the early July air. The massive reception is going strong at the Lefevre estate. The sun begins its descent over the vineyard. As always, the scenery is breathtaking, the late afternoon casting a golden glow over the event.
