14. Sal
Fourteen
Sal
Excruciating. Yesterday and today have been more agonizing than I anticipated. My body is craving Cole. Not just my dick begging to penetrate his tight ass, but my arms twitch with the desire to hold him. What I wouldn’t give to press my lips to his neck and kiss his skin tenderly, breathing slowly into his ear…
It’s hard work to stop these thoughts.
I barely sleep.
Every chance I get in the office, I walk from my office to the bathroom or to the water fountain, and sneak a peek through the window blinds. From what I can tell, he’s spent his days working hard. When interacting with his best friend, there’s no glimmer or mischief in his eyes.
I hate how badly my body is craving him. He walks around in those black athletic joggers that hug his ass so perfectly.
Not that I was overly comfortable before but being in the conference room with him yesterday, I felt like I was holding my breath.
Concentrating on the job on my desk, I tell myself I’ll interact with him soon, the only way we’re allowed to.
The phone on my desk starts ringing and it startles me.
Jesus , I’m never this jumpy.
Clearing my throat, I answer the phone, ready to clear my mind from all thoughts of him .
“Good afternoon, Sealine Voyages, how can I help you?”
“Salvatore, is that you?”
Instantly my mouth goes dry as my brain recognizes the voice.
“How did you get this number?”
The anger I expect to bite his tone isn’t there. “Is that any way to greet your father?”
I’m ready to chew him out, or hang up. Instead, I seethe in silence.
“I know, I haven’t reached out to you and I’m sorry.”
I think I’d gasp if I didn’t have my hand pressed firmly against my mouth. My father, Samuel Hammond, a big piece in the game of the galas here in Bayfront California, doesn’t say sorry. Is he ill? Passing away? Is this a prank call?
“Times have changed. I’ve been a complete ass. I’m not saying I understand it all, I’m saying none of it matters. Please, will you come for dinner this weekend? Bring your husband, or boyfriend, please.”
Hearing my father beg is unsettling.
“Why?”
My voice is hard and angry. Can he sense it?
“I want you in my life, Sal.”
My attention flits over to the magazine resting on my cabinet. It’s faced down but I’ve got the photos etched in my memory. This is because that other trust fund kid came out.
I ought to threaten him and hang up.
What I do next must surprise him as much as it does me because he sucks in a sharp breath.
“Fine. As long as you apologize again.”
The following silence is disheartening. I’m not asking for much. Is his pride cracked and bleeding?
“Of course.”
“In person.”
He sighs. “Yes, Sal.”
“Okay.”
“Seven o clock and please bring your date! I look forward to seeing you again, son.”
I’m pretty sure I throw up in my mouth but I can’t remember because I say, “okay, bye,” to cut him short and hang up the phone.
It slams into the receiver and I find myself storming from the office. I don’t know where I’m going or what I’m doing but I’m pretty certain I need to leave this office.
The door doesn’t automatically clasp shut behind me but I ignore it.
How did my dad find me? He must know I go by mom’s last name now…
It doesn’t matter. I can’t show up. I have no date. And besides, it’s a trap. It has to be. There’s no way that after ten years he’s just changing his mind and cool with me being gay.
I want to punch something or run far away.
I find myself stepping into the single room bathroom and when I look into the mirror, I see Cole’s eyes staring back at me, the bathroom door propped open.
“Hey,” he says quickly, “are you alright?”
Reality sets in. Everyone in the office saw me freak out.
I step forward to the sink and rest my arms against it, hanging my head low.
“It’s not important.”
I’m amazed at how steady my voice sounds, as if my personal life isn’t completely unraveling. How can I face my father after ten years of not speaking?
And it’s not like I have some husband I’ve spent all this time with to prove to him I’m happier than what he wanted from me.
“Hey.”
He steps closer, but is a little wiser than before and turns to lock the door behind him. I’d give him a smirk if I wasn’t so damn inwardly disheveled.
Resuming his attempt to comfort me, he steps forward and gently places a hand on my shoulder.
“I… don’t want you to get in trouble.”
His brow creases. “For talking to a friend?”
A half smile cracks across my face. “I suppose not.”
I turn and fold my arms as I lean against the sink.
Cole moves back and leans against the backside of the bathroom door. He’s beyond arm’s reach and I hate it. I wish I could pull him close and take in the scent of his ocean breeze body wash and ginger cologne.
Instead I’ll settle with consuming him with my eyes.
“What happened?”
I sigh. I’ve never talked with anyone about how he cut me off. With my last boyfriend I just told him we weren’t close and he didn’t pry.
“Out with it.”
I don’t know why but that makes me smirk and he returns the grin.
His toe grazes the tile and he waits for me to speak.
“My dad invited me to dinner this Saturday.”
Cole frowns. “Okay…”
“He cut me out of his life for ten years for being gay. Now all of sudden he’s interested in having me come over…with a guy.”
I cover my face with my hands, wishing I could disappear. I should go home early. No, I’ll stay late and work late into the night to get my mind off this silly mess.
“Do you… have someone to bring?”
My hands drop to my sides.
“No.”
Is that relief that washes across his face?
Cole clears his throat. “I can go with you.”
I shake my head. “I can’t ask that of you.”
I watch as he fiddles with the ties of his joggers that are never strung together. Pants I should tell him are not allowed in a workplace. But they look so damn good on him…
“You didn’t ask, I offered. And just as friends.”
Somehow that’s almost worse.
“I have a date with Danny tonight but I’ll be sure not to make plans for Saturday.”
My eyes close slowly. Nope that was worse.
“I appreciate the offer, really. But I don’t even want to go.”
Cole shrugs, so nonchalant. “If you change your mind, text me.”
And then he’s gone and I’m left alone in the little bathroom, plunged into a deeper hole of bitter emotions.
I can’t be troubled that he moved on so quickly, can I?
No. This is how it’s supposed to be.