Page 5 of Announcing Love
Artem nodded. “Yeah.” He pointed up. “That’s my bedroom window on the third floor. I kept an eye out for you for just that reason.”
Tip glanced toward the window Artem indicated. There were no blinds. A soft light glowed through the open curtains. “You can probably see a lot from there.”
Tip headed down the steps with Artem at his side.
“That’s why I chose that room. No one else wanted to climb that many stairs, but it has the best light to paint by. Plus, great sunrises.”
Tip thought all that bright-ass light first thing in the morning would drive him crazy. Artem wasn’t him, though, so whatever.
They walked to where Tip’s car was parallel parked. “So, how was work?”
Artem answered as they climbed inside. “It was good, actually. I’ve been there four years today, so I got my annual raise, which means I still make less than everyone. Still, it’s a little more toward my crazy high SUV payment.” Artem made the claim with laughter lacing his words and dancing in his eyes.
He confused Tip. “Oh. I thought maybe you just worked there as an extension of what you love. Why do you have any bills? Bandit can afford that.”
A line appeared between Artem’s eyebrows. “I’m not Bandit’s responsibility. His money isn’t my money. I’m sure he would gladly help if I asked, but I’m not that guy.”
Tip shook his head as he pulled away from the curb. Bandit’s situation got stranger by the minute. He gave up his house and wasn’t supporting everyone?
“Don’t get me wrong. I obviously don’t have a house payment or anything at all. Just my vehicle and insurance. Plus, you know, maintenance and whatnot. Otherwise, Bandit takes care of everything. I guess I don’t have that much pride after all.” Artem laughed—the way he always did, as if blowing off struggling. He was still in college, for fuck’s sake. Artem shouldn’t have to pay for anything. He shouldn’t have to work.
Tip kept his thoughts to himself. “How do you feel about The Tavern downtown? There’s not much open this late.”
“That’s fine. I’m not a picky eater, so whatever you want is good. Plus, that’s actually in my price range, so I’m a little relieved.”
Tip nearly slammed on his brakes in the middle of the road. He couldn’t believe Artem thought he would ask him on a date and expect him to pay. “Are you joking? I asked you to dinner. That means I pay.” He thought about it for a second. “Actually, I’d pay even if you asked. What kind of person would I be if I let you buy my dinner?”
Artem didn’t speak.
Tip looked his way as they came to a red light.
Artem watched him as if studying for a test. “Has no one ever bought you dinner?”
Tip blinked several times. For a moment, the question broke his brain. Tip was worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Maybe a lot of that was tied up in land and similar investments, but he still had more money than he could spend in one lifetime. The idea that a kid who likely made just over minimum wage would buy him anything was… he didn’t know, but it was bad.
“Did you malfunction or are you searching your mind for anytime anyone has ever done anything for you?”
The light turned green, saving him. When Artem put it that way, his chest hurt. He honestly couldn’t recall the last time anyone did anything for him or gave him anything. Obviously, he didn’tneed anything, but damn. Artem was right. No one thought about him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.”
Artem’s quiet apology pulled Tip from his thoughts. “No. You didn’t. You’re right. I can’t recall the last time I wasn’t the one who paid.” Tip shook it off. “That’s what’s right, though. It’s crazy for anyone to cover me.”
“No, it’s not.” The happiness was back in his voice. “It’s the intent behind paying. I know when I’m buying, it’s because I care and want to spend time with someone. I get to know the meal isn’t an expected exchange for sex. That’s just not who I am.”
A bark of unexpected laughter burst from Tip. “When I was your age, that was exactly my intent. Now everything is on me because I can afford to be that way.”
“I’d say that’s sad, but if I could afford it, I’d take care of everyone I love.”
“That’s great until they start to expect it, and the demands get bigger and bigger.” There was no masking the bitterness in Tip’s voice.
Artem didn’t acknowledge it. “Meh. It’s just Baba, Sacha, and me. Bandit now too, I suppose. But that’s it. I can’t imagine their demands ever being huge. Maybe Baba. She’d likely ask for a full-time half naked dude to massage her all hours of the day.”
Tip’s mood lightened. Artem made it impossible to stay down for long. He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. It was—thankfully—nearly dead. “Since you brought it up, how did you end up living with your grandmother and brother? Where are your parents? You can tell me it’s none of my business. I just want to know you.”
Artem opened the door. He didn’t look Tip’s way. “They were all killed.” He stepped from the car as if he hadn’t just made Tip feel like a complete ass. Tip climbed from the car. Well, he had wanted to get to know him. Maybe Tip could stop acting like a dick at every turn now. He really wasn’t doing so great at impressing Artem.
Artem loved talking to Tip. Tip was open, even in his irritation. It was nice. Artem was used to being around people who tiptoed so no one’s feelings got hurt. They hid their faults and quirks. Artem wanted to see all those things. There was beauty in everything, even the darkness. Whether Tip realized it or not, he had told so much about himself without saying much. People used him and had—somehow—convinced him that was the way it should be. Artem was fascinated.
