Page 185 of Gym Bros
“You’re very adventurous, Sam,” I say.
“One of these days I might even try sushi.”
I gasp and turn to him.
He’s grinning. “I knew it. Everybody in California is the same. Fucking obsessed with raw fish.”
“Because it’sdelicious.”
“It’s the concept of it.”
“Just start small and work your way up,” I say. “You’ll like it.”
“Even eel?” he asks.
“Possibly even eel,” I say softly.
I look down at our hands, two inches apart. His knuckles are a mess. They’re never entirely perfect, but he’s got some split skin and fresh bruises. I trace a finger over the scab beneath his ring finger. “Forgot your gloves?”
“Oh. Just uh…doing some closet remodeling.”
“Oh.” I slide my finger off him.
“I’m kidding. I punched some holes in the wall.”
“Oh.”
“But only in the closet,” he adds.
“I guess that’s…smart?”
“I probably should have just called you,” he says.
I look at him.
He swallows. “It would have helped more to talk.”
“To me?”
“Yeah,” he says softly. “You’re very grounding.”
I go ahead and slide my hand into his.
He takes hold. “Missing you sucks.”
“Did you want some blanket?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
I scoot the rest of the way closer, putting us hip to hip, and with the hand he’s not holding, I toss some of the plush blanket in the direction of his lap. He spreads it out and pulls his legs onto the couch, angling himself to face me. I do the same. “Hi,” he says with the barest hint of a smile.
“Hey.”
“Sorry I lost my temper.”
“Sorry I…well…you know.”
His mouth quirks. “Regardless of how it happened, I feel really lucky I got to meet you.”
