Page 18 of In the Middle of No(ah)where
"I'm sorry. Truly. Please…sit?" He asks, and there is something in his eyes that tells me he really is remorseful. By standing up for myself, perhaps I taught him to be more careful about what he says in the future.
I reluctantly sit.
The rest of the meal goes by fine, but the conversation is strained. I'm not comfortable being open with him, so I let him talk. He's more than happy to talk about his time in a fraternity, getting accepted into medical school, and being at the top of his class. He talks about his rotations, and I just plaster on that fake smile Mom taught me so well, counting down the minutes until I can leave.
I insist Aspen and I split the check, and we both slip our credit cards into the little folder with the bill. Saying goodbye tohim is going to be awkward, but at least I don't have to worry about inviting him back to my place or going to his.
"I had a nice time tonight, Noah. Again, I'm sorry if I made it awkward." He tells me while putting his hands in his pockets.
"Thank you for a nice meal," I tell him honestly. The food was good.
"Well, I should head out. I'll see you around."
"Drive safely."
"Good night, Noah."
"Night."
He doesn't try to give me a hug or mention a second date. His strained smile doesn't reach his eyes as he turns and walks toward the parking lot located on the side of the building.
I climb into my car and take a beat to lean my head against the headrest, staring at the few stars that flicker in the night sky.
Marcus, where are you?
I don't know why I can't get Marcus out of my mind. It's been almost two years since we last saw each other. I'm sure he's in a relationship and living his best life.
I've been to the aquarium a few times but never mustered up the courage to ask about him. I didn't run into him either. I searched for Marcus at the state college online, and it pulled up over twenty names. No pictures. Did he get the job for which he interviewed? Did he graduate? I wish I was there for it. Will I ever meet someone as perfect as him? Someone that made me feel so complete in such a short amount of time. When I was with him, he naturally had my brain calm from its typical chaos.
He was my antidote.
9
Marcus
Kneeling in front of me, head bowed, and miles of smooth tan skin glistening from the sheen of sweat covering his skin, is an unnamed boy who came out tonight to play. I've seen him here at Club Pierre before, and he's always been with a different dom. Usually, he's just submitting quietly. Never playing. Tonight, my handiwork is on display on his back. Red marks from the Tigress whip I love are strategically displayed across his back.
After our scene, the one I cut short because I lost my focus and had to pull back, he remains in subspace and continues to be obedient. I offered to take him to a private room to provide aftercare, but he declined and followed me over to the seating area, where I rejoined some friends.
"Marcus, that's got to be one of the hottest scenes you've done. I love watching you with that thing," Jake motions at the whip sitting on the bench next to me with his chin. "It's like performance art."
"Thanks, man." I rub my hand gently over the top of the boy's head. "This creature made it easy. So willing to please," I praise.
When the boy looks up at me, his blue eyes shine with unshed tears. Poor kid must be going through something. I barely gave him a compliment, and he's melting at my touch. If I wasn't so hung up on a different pair of blue eyes from a couple of years ago, I would try and get to know this boy better.
Jake leans in closer to whisper. "I saw the moment you lost focus. What happened?"
"You saw that, huh?" He just nods. "I just got caught up in the moment, and my mind shifted. When I flipped the whip, I noticed it wasn't going to land on the intended mark, and it would have hurt him in the wrong way. I had to pull back before the whip contacted with his skin." I pride myself on being a Dom that takes extra care when playing. If it's not enjoyable to my sub, what's the point?
"You're a good Padawan," he teases.
"You're a good master. I've learned a lot from you over the years." I tell him. And I mean it. Jake took me under his wing when I showed interest in the D/S community. He also opened up my eyes to being a daddy years ago. The way I always take care of my sub before and after a session. It's what led me to realize I love the daddy side of things as much as I love the control.
"When do you head out?" Jake asks.
"I'm only here for tonight and leave early in the morning to head back home tomorrow," I tell him.
It's bittersweet, really. I love my new job and the little house I found to rent. Life is going great, except everywhere I go, I keep looking for Noah. He may not even be around anymore. He was talking about college back then after his gap year of trying to figure out his life. I hope whatever he's doing makes him happy.
