Page 21 of Creep
But Angel turns on his heel and walks off, his thin cardigan flopping behind him like a cape.
He hates me.
He never wants to see me again.
Chapter 11
Creep
Asifthisdaywasn’t bad enough already, my motorcycle broke down as I was about to ride out to sulk, so I’m stuck by the garage while Val takes care of the issue. I can deal with basic maintenance on my own, but since I wasn’t able to work out what’s wrong, her diagnosis is needed.
I replay the conversation with Angel in my head over and over, and it’s reminiscent of the clouds, dark and thickening over my head. I almost wish it would start raining, because I deserve it. Angel… wanted me to visit? And I blew it. I don’t even know what we could have had, but he suggestedsomething.
But since I didn’t show up, didn’t help him get acquainted with the people of Vulture Hollow, he’s fed up with me. Permanently. I can’t believe I failed so damn badly.
The mechanics kept watching me, no doubt already aware of my little abduction adventure and teaching their children that the bad man from the caves will take them too if they misbehave. I ended up leaving the garage and settling on the hood of a car Val has been planning to renovate for so long it’s started rusting. At least here, I can be alone with my grim thoughts and regret my actions so deeply it twists my features.
That is of course until Road rolls up to me with a massive sandwich wrapped in paper, and sits next to me with a knowing smirk.
He’s tall, built like a workhorse, and his buzz cut displays the burn scars he obtained on the night he made his first move on his now-husband. That stunt worked out quite well for him, but Road’s never been anything like me. He’s the kind of guy who always speaks his mind and boldly demands what he believes he’s owed. That is whyhehas a man and I don’t.
“So… licking, huh?”
I groan and my scowl deepens. There’s lightning speed, and then there’s the speed at which Rooster disseminates gossip. I could walk away now, ignore Road, but other than his husband Clyde, who I don’t know as well, he’s the only gay guy I’m friends with. And he’s in a stable relationship, so if anyone can help me here and offer insight, it’s him.
“Wasn’t planned,” I say, playing with the shoelace-bracelet on my wrist.
“Hope you used protection then,” Road says with a smirk and bites into his sandwich.
“Did you seek me out just to mock me?”
Road shrugs, rubbing his crooked nose. “No. Just wondering why you’re here, sulking, instead of trying to win him overafter… whatever that thing with Rooster was. He literally lives in the village, couldn’t be easier.”
I shake my head and slouch even more. “You don’t understand. He doesn’t want to see me. I’m sure all of you know by now that I abducted him. I fucked it all up.”
Road shrugs. “I admit, bit unconventional as far as meet-cutes go. But when Clyde and I visited him, you were all he wanted to talk about. Pretty sure he does want to see you.”
That makes me perk up, and I look at Road. “He did? What did he say?”
A sly smile crooks my friend’s face, but he keeps me guessing and takes a huge bite of his sandwich instead of answering like a normal person. “He wanted to know if you dated anyone before and asked when do we think you’re gonna show up. Seems you took two more days to grace him with your presence. You trying to mindfuck him or something?”
“It’s not a game. I just thought… I didn’t want to bother him, but in your opinion, when he asked about dating, was it because he was interested in me?” The very idea that I might still have a chance makes my heart beat faster. What if the ship hasn’t sailed? What if I can load it with gifts, and apologies, and visits, so it never does?
“Well, he didn’t go into much detail about what exactly happened between you two, just that you saved him. He asked what you like to eat, which to me seems like he wanted to have it on hand, in case you came over. But you have to strike before the iron cools, right? Love is a hunt, and believe me, that boy is no hunter. You need to put yourself out there and win him over.”
I let that hang in the air for a while. It’s tough to have these conversations. Until last year, I’d not even come out to anyone, and I struggle as it is.
Socially awkward.
Guess I need to grit my teeth and get better at it.
“If I… got him a gift. Should I present it to him, or leave it on the porch?”
Road groans. “I can’t believe you. Face him. Tell him you like him. He might be annoyed at you after that thing with Rooster, but he is waiting for your move. He’s not like Clyde, and we both see that, right? Initiative, man.”
Yeah, Road’s husband is just as wild and violent as he is, whereas Angel is sweet and precious. It makes sense that wooing him will require a different approach. The ember of hope inside me starts burning brighter.
“I do like him,” I say as if it wasn’t obvious. I want to crawl under his skin and live there like the parasite I am. “I’ll do it. I just need to find the right moment.”
