Chapter 18
Eighteen
Thomas
I’m half-awake as I realize how my body is curled around Angelo.
My leg is hitched up covering his waist as my head rests on his chest. I didn’t mean for him to stay over, but I can’t bring myself to regret what happened last night.
It’s probably about time for us to have a talk because I don’t think we’re fooling anyone.
This has evolved past friends with benefits.
At least it has for me. I’m hoping he feels the same.
I open my eyes, taking in the lax expression on Angelo’s face as he sleeps. His curls are extra tousled on the pillow, and I’m tempted to run my hands through the strands. I move my hand to stroke his cheek, then I hear it. The front door opening and closing followed by Eric’s voice. “Dad?”
Angelo’s eyes pop open, darting around the room before he settles on looking at me. “Shit. I should … I should go.”
I laugh. “It’s okay. He’s going to see you either way. You might as well stay and have breakfast.”
Angelo is up and out of bed, grabbing his clothes and pulling them on in a rush like he didn’t even hear me.
I toss on a T-shirt and boxers just for the sake of modesty as I call back to Eric.
“Be out in a minute.” Then I turn my attention back to Angelo, who is clearly spooked.
“If you rush out of here now, all it’s going to do is make us look guilty. ”
He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “Maybe we should call this whole thing off,” he says in a rush.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“This whole hookup thing. It’s gotten out of hand. We’re lying to my family and now Eric, don’t you think it’s gone a bit far?”
“You’re right. This isn’t what we planned.” Angelo opens his eyes. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting me to agree with him. “But what if it wasn’t a lie? Go out with me. For real.”
Angelo sighs and licks his lips as he stalls. “Thomas …”
“You don’t have to answer right now. Just think about it,” I tell him. “For right now, let’s go out and face the music. Have some coffee before you run off.”
“Okay,” he agrees, but it seems reluctant.
I open the door, and Angelo follows me to the kitchen.
Eric is in the living room near the Christmas tree as he inspects the gifts, totally ignoring us.
If Angelo wanted to make a getaway, now would be the time while Eric is distracted.
I don’t say anything as I get the coffee machine ready.
I want to leave it up to him even though I’m hoping everything works out.
“Oh, hey Dad,” Eric says as he turns around at hearing the coffee maker. Then his eyes land on Angelo. “Mr. Gutierrez?”
“Hello Eric. I hope you had a good Christmas Eve.” Angelo manages to sound more at ease than I know he is, but my attention is still on Eric. I can see him putting the pieces together between Angelo being here first thing in the morning and my state of undress.
“You’re dating my teacher?” he accuses, looking at me now. I can’t judge him for the tone of voice because we aren’t going about this in the best way. Ideally, I would have eased him into the idea, but it’s too late now.
“We didn’t mean to tell you this way, but I guess the cat’s out of the bag.” I shrug, grabbing two coffee cups and filling them up. I’m trying to keep my cool because I’m not sure how Eric is going to react to this news. “Have you had breakfast yet?”
Eric’s mouth opens like he’s going to say something before it closes again.
He looks from me to Angelo and back again.
“I had breakfast with Mom. I’m gonna watch some TV.
Let me know when we’re doing presents.” Eric takes a seat on the couch and turns on the TV, raising the volume enough to give me an illusion of privacy.
Angelo takes a drink of his coffee, his foot nervously tapping on the floor. “I should go. Let the two of you have your Christmas together.”
I answer by pressing my lips to his. At this point, I really don’t care if Eric sees.
He’s already assumed we’re a couple. Angelo hesitates to return the kiss, staying still at first before his lips move slowly against mine.
“Stay? I even got some cereal just for you,” I tease, opening the cabinet to show him.
“You got me Lucky Charms?” he asks, the corner of his lips lifting into a smile.
I wrap my arm around him and pull him closer. “I want you to feel welcome here. We don’t have to always go to your place.” I leave it unsaid what I really mean. I don’t want to hide our relationship from Eric.