Page 22 of Allured
“You’re flattering me.”
“It’s entirely true. You’re an Adonis of a man, Alek.”
Holy shit,this man’s honesty and blunt nature are so refreshing. I feel my heart beat faster as the weight of his compliment sinks in.
“Can you tell me more about your gymnastics venture?” Ezekiel asks after my pause.
“Sure.” I nod and move closer to the table, my forearms resting at the edge as I lean towards Ez. “My mama was an Olympic gymnast representing Mexico in the late 70’s, and early 80’s,” I begin.
“She would show me all these old tapes and we’d try to recreate the moves at home together. I fucking loved it. The way the athletes would move their bodies and show off their strength— I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. I also loved learning about the history of it all. Mama was obsessed with ancient Greece.”
I smile fondly. I don’t get to talk to a lot of people about my mother. Anyone who knew her isn’t in my life anymore.
“She was there through all of my early training, taking me to every practice and cheering me on from the sidelines. I…”
I clear my throat.
“I didn’t get much support in my training after she died.”
“Aleksander, I am so sorry.” Ezekiel reaches across the table and wraps his hand around mine. I’m so caught up in my memories. I hadn’t noticed the nervous tapping that came from my fingers.
“I’m not trying to ruin our night with my sob story, I promise.”
“You are not ruining anything. I want to know everything you are willing to share.” I swallow down the guilt I feel at his statement. In my gut, I know I can tell Ezekiel anything but thedoubtful voice in my head nags at me, making me think that I’m talking too much.
Ezekiel’s eyes tell a different story. They’re soft and concerned and the wrinkles at the corner of his eyes scrunch in his look of condolence. He makes me feel safe to continue.
“My dad took my mom’s death hard for a few months. We both did. But within the year, he was married to Thomas and Vivian’s mom.”
“They are your siblings who also work at the club, correct? The other burlesque dancers mentioned them last night,” Ezekiel explains.
“Yeah, they’re a lot younger than me so I kinda raised them too.”
“What about your dad and their mom? Were the two of them not there to raise them?” Ezekiel asks, but I have a feeling he might already know the answer with the slightly indignant tone I’m hearing.
“Dad was never the same after Mama and Julie, my stepmother, is more interested in family image than actual family. I haven’t seen them since I turned eighteen. Not much else to say.” I run my thumb over his knuckles and sigh softly. Hitting my sharing limit for tonight, I take a look up at my date and see so much kindness and care that I’m nearly brought to tears.
“Thank you for listening, Ez.”
“Thank you for trusting me with your story, Aleksander.”
Storytime is over but our hands stay entwined.
“Alright, who’s the heathen that ordered the sweet potato fries?” Rhett walks up with our burgers. I burst out in a laugh, giving Ezekiel a shrug that saysI told you so.
Ezekie’s death stare is strong when he breaks my gaze and looks up at Rhett.
“The heathen would be me.” Resignation accompanies his long sigh.
“You’re on a date with my friend, so I’ll give you a pass this time handsome,” Rhett winks at Ezekiel and I kick at his knee from under the table.
“Ow, Alek!” Rhett shrieks as he sets down Ezekiel’s food.
“Ezekiel ismydate, so don’t be winking at him, you ass,” I begin and look over at Ez biting his lips between his teeth to hold back a laugh.
“Fuck, okay. Hi Ezekiel, sorry for thinking you’re cute,” Rhett winksagainbefore he drops my plate at the table and steps back. The asshole manages to get out of kicking reach. “And the pig—out with extra pickles is all you, Alek. Bye!” He jogs back to the kitchen.
“I’m gonna have T kick his ass for me.” I roll my eyes and take a drink of my milkshake.
