Page 86 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
“It changes nothing other than you can take the subway with me in the mornings. I’d like that.” Her smile melted my heart.
“I’d like that a lot.” I was looking forward to getting back to our routine.
Cooter was absolutely right. I might not be ready to date again, but if Gwen wanted me, I’d be powerless to stop it.
How I hoped that one day I should be so lucky.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Gwen
Tenzin twirled me around as we danced to the live music at the bar he’d first taken me to. The past two weeks have been fun. We’d fallen back into our normal routine with a few slight changes.
In the mornings, we’d take the subway together to the rink, or walk if it was a nice day. If we walked, we usually picked up coffee and muffins. We’d practice together on the ice, then eat breakfast upstairs. Then I’d go to work, and he’d practice more, before doing whatever he needed to do that day. He met up with AJ for lunch a few times as well and played golf with him once.
After work, if it wasn’t a practice day for NYIT, we’d go upstairs to do conditioning, strength training, or land drills,often with Carlos and Dimitri. Sometimes we’d go to Tito’s after, or to Dimitri’s. A couple of times we’d all gone to Carlos’ mom’s.
If I had practice for NYIT, I’d often end up either going to Tenzin’s and we’d cook together, or we’d meet and wander the outdoor market, trying new things, or maybe check a new restaurant off the list. Sometimes we worked on my social media, or he’d help me in my agent search. Over the weekend, we’d gone to yoga in the park, more museums, and visited Marty.
Tenzin and I also made more videos of me figure skating with hockey sticks.
The music changed, but the two of us continued to dance in the crowded bar. I’d met with a campus therapist today to try to handle my shit regarding Austin. This was our second meeting and so far she was fine, and not pushy, which was good, since I didn’t want to talk about my family–something they always wanted to do.
Why wasn’t “I don’t talk to my dads, because they’re assholes”,enough?
That was partially why I’d asked to go dancing, a fun reward. I was also horny as fuck. Again. I’d have to start putting music on when I took baths, since in three days Clark would come back. Couldn’t have him hearing me taking care of business.
We danced until the band stopped for the evening, sweat running down our backs. I took his hand, and we walked to the subway. He looked at our hands, but said nothing, just gave it a squeeze.
What was I doing? But, I enjoyed holding his hand. I liked dancing with him. It was nice sitting close enough to touch him while we were on the couch.
Yes, I wanted to be touched. But I wanted to be touched byTenzin.
Okay, I wanted to be touched by Clark, too. But Clark wasn’t here. Yet.
I wanted them both. Though I still wasn’t ready for that. Which meant I shouldn’t be holding Tenzin’s hand. Or leaning my head on his shoulder when I danced.
But I liked it. It felt right, and Tenzin hadn’t complained.
Again,what was I doing?
We went back to the building and walked to our doors. It was fun living across from him.
“Come over in twenty? Though I’m out of beer,” he offered.
“I’ve got some. I did a grocery order today,” I told him. Clark let me use his grocery delivery membership, and it was quite convenient. I had to admit, walking through markets with Tenzin, picking out fresh produce, and trying new things, was awfully fun, though.
I slipped into the apartment and took a shower, washed off the bar, and changed into some sweats and a T-shirt. My phone buzzed with a video call.
“Hi Clark. I haven’t burned down your place yet.” I plopped down on my bed, a pillow falling off onto the floor.
“Good. Question, do you want a kitten? They’re weaned now, have gotten shots, and are so adorable.” Clark held up a little white kitten.
“Oooh. I do. How much trouble will we get in for having an illegal kitten?” There were more on his lap. They were all either white or white and black. Clark being covered in kittens was the cutest thing ever. I took a screenshot and immediately made it my lock screen.
“If we get in trouble, we’ll move somewhere pet friendly? We could call this one, Snowball.” He rubbed his cheek against the snow-white kitten in his hands.
“Clark, you do not need to bring Gwen a pet. How many times do I need to tell you?” a female voice yelled from off screen.
