Page 70 of True Sight
“Because you were doing it here and I walked in on you.”
My face went slack and I blinked hard at her a few times. “I’m not even going to entertain that comment.”
“Come on, sweetie,” she whines, dragging out each word as she says them. “It’s going to be fine. No one is going to find out or post a clip of it or anything. But if it bothers you that much, I promise I won’t make comments like that again during class. Okay?”
“I would appreciate that,” I say as I pack up my computer and slide it into my bag. I’m heading home for a few hours before coming back to the studio to meet the delivery guy who was supposed to be dropping off some fixtures. They were supposed to come yesterday but got delayed and are now set to be delivered between ‘8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.’ because that’s so convenient. It wasn’t how I wanted to spend my Saturday night but so is the life of an entrepreneur I’m starting to realize.
“Would it be that big of a deal if people found out about you two?”
“Not for me, no, but it would for him. He’s not ready to tell people about us and I need to respect that. Everyonecomes out in their own time and I’m the first guy Conrad’s ever been with. I’m trying to take things at his pace.”
“So what does he call you? What are you to him?”
I spin in a circle and give her a small smirk. “I’m his Henry,” I explain confidently.
We haven’t talked much more about labels or what we are to one another again but he doesn’t completely freak out when I refer to myself as this. Alex’s bottom lip pushes into her top, creating a pout and her eyes grow round like a puppy’s.
“That’s so fucking cute, I wanna throw up,” she whispers with her hand over her heart. I can feel the heat growing in my cheeks.
“I like him—a lot—which is why it’s important to me that I don’t mess this up. And that includes not pushing him into saying anything to anyone or letting him know that you know or anything. We’re taking things one step at a time.”
“I think that’s very noble of you. I’m so happy you’re happy.” She grabs my hand and squeezes it as we step out of the studio. She moves to the side so I can lock the door behind us. The construction guys are off today but will be back on Monday to install the fixtures that are coming which is why I have to come back to meet the delivery person.
“Thanks, Lex. What about you? Are you happy?” I raise an eyebrow at her and wait.
“I’m happy by myself, sure,” she sighs. “I haven’t been as lucky to hire someone who I can then make my boyfriend. One day, though.” She nods.
“He’s not my boyfriend. At least not yet,” I say the second part to myself.
“Oh, don’t you worry sweetie, he will be.” She winks at me before waving and heading for her car. I wave back andswing my backpack off my shoulder, bringing it in front of me so I can grab my phone. I love the way the sun feels on my face and how the November chill is still in the air. The closer it gets to the end of the year, the more it cools off and I’m living for it. The current temperature is reminding me of home and making my heart sing.
Looking down at my phone screen, I start to type a list of things to do when I get home so I don’t forget when I’m interrupted by a photo of Ellie manifesting on my phone screen, requesting to FaceTime with me. My neck juts back in surprise and I quickly slide my thumb to answer her call.
“Hello?”
“Ahhhhhh!”
A blood-curdling scream comes from the other side and I tear my phone away from my face so fast I almost drop it. My index finger presses into the volume button so the entire neighborhood doesn’t hear her screaming and think some sort of alleyway murder is happening.
“Jesus, you loon, what in the bloody hell are ya?—”
“We’re eloping!” she shouts again and starts to jump up and down. Suddenly thankful I’m not quick to get motion sick because of how the image of her blurs as she jumps, my words get caught in my throat trying to form words at her announcement.
“You what? You little wank, you and I were going to plan the biggest, fattest, wedding blowout of the century! What do you mean you’reeloping?”
“Jordan and I have decided to kick the bucket on the ol’ traditional wedding thing and elope. Our families are being real prats about the whole thing and we’re tired of it. We want to be married so that’s what we’re doing—we’re getting married!”
I can feel my jaw go slack for a moment before I quicklyfix myself. “That’s great, I’m so happy for you both. When’s the big day?”
“The last weekend of November,” she gushes and finally takes a seat somewhere, settling the camera. Old historic homes pass by me as I make my way back to my flat and I can see her eyes flit to the colorfully painted buildings as I pass.
“Like three weeks from now?” I ask, completely stunned.
“Yes, like in three weeks. The last weekend of the month, it’s going to be perfect. Not too cold and not too close to Christmas. I’ve already purchased your plane tickets.”
“Oh you have, have you? What if I’m busy that weekend? What would you do then, huh?”
“Henry Wanker, you are not going to be busy on my wedding day and even if you were, you aren’t anymore. Youhaveto be here, simply have to.” Her voice is getting higher with every word.
