Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
FINN
Three days later…
When it’s time for my scheduled break, I toss the ice cream scoop in the sink and remove my apron. “Guess I’ll take a walk,” I say, trying to appear casual. “It’s such a beautiful day out. See you in an hour!”
Kenneth barely looks up from his phone. “Sounds good.”
I step outside and grin to myself as I head straight toward my apartment. The last few days have been hectic, the gayborhood turned upside down after the Great Lube-alanche. But I’ve got a secret lover waiting for an afternoon quickie, and a whole new world opening up in front of me with Riley.
I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, and we’re taking care to savor this time, stay intentional as we start off the next chapter of our relationship.
This is the start of something new, and I want to revel in all the excitement and possibility that comes with that.
Having known Riley for years, though, my heart is rushing forward.
He’s a fantasy become reality, a dream in my waking life, and I can’t wait to see him again.
As I walk by the old Glube store, I see crews busy on the street.
Clay and Sue are working with a small team to install a new street light, and the cast of Yentl is busy repainting the rainbow crosswalk.
I spot a few of the mechanics down by the craft center, gathering up refuse and cleaning the scene with other volunteers.
I pause for a minute, watching. The disaster has been expensive, and the gayborhood’s budget crisis has intensified and become the major topic of gossip and conversation. Even under the stress, the neighbors have continued to work together, showing up for each other and taking care of what we can.
Pride fills me, welling up behind my ribs.
“Afternoon, Finn.”
I turn to see Mohammed, clipboard in hand. The business association has been hands-on in addressing everyone’s needs, so I’m not surprised to see him here.
“Afternoon,” I answer. “How are you holding up, Mohammed?”
He clips a pen back on the clipboard. “Well enough, considering all the bad news I have to deliver about funding opportunities for the recovery.”
“The city isn’t helping out?” I ask.
“They are, but not as much as we’d hoped, and the cash is slow to arrive. I did receive some good news this morning, though. The historic hotel has agreed to donate their space for the art show.”
My eyes light up. “That’s my favorite building in town. It’s gorgeous.”
“That’s what Kavya said,” Mohammed agrees. “She, Zooey, and the rest of the team will be able to pull off the show as planned without a hitch.”
“That’s a relief.”
“It’s a wonderful show,” he says. “Now we just need to get the rest of the neighborhood in shape.”
“If anyone can pull this off, we can. The gayborhood has achieved peak harmony once more.”
Mohammed smiles. “That reminds me—I was hoping to talk to you.”
“Something I can help with?”
“Perhaps. I wanted to run something by you, see if you might be interested in an opportunity from the business association.”
“Oh.” Surprised, I tilt my head to the side. “What kind of opportunity?”
“Featured business of the year,” he answers, and my eyes light up.
“You want The Scoop to be the featured business?”
Mohammed nods. “It’s meant to be an honor and highlight your shop, of course.
There would be an article in the newspaper, some interviews with tourist magazines.
Things like that. But it’s also a major responsibility and time commitment.
You’d be expected to attend events, make some speeches, and, in essence, represent the business association and Allentown more broadly. ”
“Wow,” I say, my excitement rising as I process. “That’s so cool, Mohammed.”
He nods. “Considering the leadership you’ve shown this summer, and of course the quality of your beloved shop, your name quickly rose to the top of the list in our internal discussions.
As your friend, though, I wanted to give you a heads-up about the commitments involved.
It’s intended to benefit you, and of course The Scoop should see a healthy bump in business.
But even with the resources we devote to promoting the featured business, it ends up being a sort of volunteer gayborhood ambassador gig. ”
I take that in, glad for his perspective. “I’m already busy, it’s true. But it sounds like an exciting opportunity.”
“Think it over,” Mohammed says. “You and The Scoop would be perfect for it. And just let me know if you want to set a meeting to discuss specifics.”
“Okay, definitely! Thanks, Mohammed.”
He glances at his phone. “With my assistant redirected to help with the art show, I’ve got no one to remind me when it’s meeting time,” he says apologetically, and we part ways.
I take one last look at the busy street, text Kavya to say I’m excited about the new venue, and hurry on my way.
My mind spins over the details of the opportunity.
I’ve seen how busy the owner of the featured business is, appearing at festivals, fundraisers, and local events.
I’ve also seen what a boon it is to the business.
And even if the accompanying workload is significant, it sounds fun and well worth the time.
I opened The Scoop in order to build the kind of spaces and community I want to see in the world. Accepting the featured business honor would let me do that on a bigger scale than I’ve imagined before.
When I get back to my place, I take the stairs two at a time. Riley has the morning off from the garage, and I love knowing that he’s been waiting here for me since I pulled myself out of his strong arms earlier.
Inside, the smell of garlic hits me, and I’m surprised to see Riley at the sink, washing up dishes. He’s only wearing his loose boxers, and he’s got a fantasy novel playing on the speaker.
I grin, and when he looks up and sees me, Riley half-smiles, too.
“Hey. I finally remembered the name of that movie with the multiple realities. Existenz. With a z.”
“Let’s check it out,” I say and add, “You cooked!”
He snorts as he turns off the audiobook.
“Not quite. I tried to make a salad from one of those cookbooks,” he says, gesturing to the stack I have out from the library.
“Did you know it’s possible to burn a salad?
Cause I didn’t. Anyway, I ordered from that falafel place you like,” he says with a gesture to the takeout containers at the end of the counter. “Figured you’d want lunch.”
I kick my shoes off and walk across the apartment to join him. “Thanks for ordering—”
Before I can finish thanking him, Riley swoops me into his arms and takes me in a kiss. I lean up against his burly chest and deepen it.
“Gotta keep your strength up,” he growls before we ease back.
I drape my hands on his shoulders. “It’s nice coming home to you,” I tell him.
Riley holds my gaze with his hazel eyes, sincere. “Good. I like being here.”
We stand like that for a moment, and he doesn’t look away.
I still notice Riley’s gruffness, his uncertainty with being vulnerable.
But when we’re alone together, those harder edges soften, and his demeanor eases like this.
He lets me see a part of him that he doesn’t show other people, the side I know from our messages.
I kiss him again, and we quickly find our way to the couch. Riley and I strip each other as we make out, panting and moaning compliments. My fingertips brush his lips and tease his hard nipples, and when I get on top, I bury my hand in his hair and kiss him harder.
Naked, we stroke our dicks together, two hands working our hard cocks, our shafts wet with precum. I rise up on my knees, and Riley grabs my ass, groping me as his dick throbs.
When we cum, the boundaries between us seem to disappear. Our eyes lock, the world hums with pleasure, and I let the pure, good sensation engulf me.
After, Riley and I lie on the couch, our arms and legs tangled. He strokes the back of my head idly.
“I’ll head to the garage this afternoon,” he says. “Considering we spent the last few nights together, I figured I should probably give you some space tonight, too. Not crowd you.”
I sit up a bit. “That’s considerate, but I don’t feel crowded. If you need space for yourself, though, I understand. I know you like your alone time.”
Riley shakes his head. “No,” he says, voice quiet. “I’ll go if I need, but right now, I’d be a damn fool to give up even a minute with you.”
I smile at him, appreciating how direct he is and clear in his desires. “Maybe we’ll actually get around to watching a movie tonight.”
He chuckles and squeezes my ass. “Doubt that.”
Heat flushes through me. “Yeah, I doubt it, too.” Sex haze fading, the encounter with Mohammed comes back to mind. “I forgot to tell you.” I sit up the rest of the way. “Mohammed approached me and asked if I’d be interested in having The Scoop as the featured gayborhood business next year.”
Riley’s eyes widen. “What?” He sits up, too. “That’s… that’s huge. What did you say?”
I turn my palms up. “I told him I’d think about it.
It’s an exciting idea, but he also informed me that it comes with a big time commitment and regular obligations.
” My mind starts to wander, and I shake my head.
“My gut says that I should say yes, but I’m going to take some time to think it over first.”
He looks at me like he’s amazed, impressed even though it’s far from official. “You’d be perfect for it, if that’s what you decide,” Riley says. “And I can’t think of any business that represents Allentown better than The Scoop.”
“Yeah?” I ask. “That’s nice to hear.”
He nods, excited. “You’re a hub,” he says.
“And not just because your ice cream is so damn tasty. You made the kind of space you dreamed of, welcoming and kind. The fact that even a big, cynical grump like me can see that, well, I’m not surprised the business association wants to feature you.
” He takes my hands. “They’ll be lucky to have you, Finn. ”
I smile, holding his eye. “Thanks, Riley.”
He squeezes my hand, and I see sincerity strengthen in his gaze.
“I don’t know what you’ll want from me as your.
.. whatever we are. But I promise I’ll do my best to support you.
Whether that’s taking care of what I can behind the scenes or accompanying you to the events.
This is a big opportunity for The Scoop, and especially after all the headaches I’ve made for you, I promise, I’ll do whatever you ask to help you going forward. ”
“I appreciate that, and I’m sure I’ll take you up on some of it.
But Riley, I’m not looking for someone to help me navigate the social scene of the gayborhood.
I can do that fine on my own, and don’t expect you to change just because we’re together.
I’m looking for someone to share my bed, to geek out about books and movies with me, and to create something that’s just ours. That’s what I want from you.”
Riley blinks, and I can see he’s holding back tears.
“I’ll be the best boyfriend I can be for you,” he says.
Then his eyes get wide. “Fuck.” He rubs his hand over his face.
“We haven’t even talked about being boyfriends.
I’m moving too fast. That’s embarrassing.
It’s just that I really fucking like you, Finn.
You’re the only person in the world who liked the second season of Galaxy Demons, and honestly, I fucking love you for it. ”
Riley’s eyes get even wider.
“Oh fuck me,” he says and buries his face in his hands. “I didn’t mean to say that.”
I grin. “I like that you said it,” I tell him, and lean forward, brushing a kiss over his lips. “And I’m not quite ready to say the same yet, but I like you very, very much Riley. And I am falling hard for you just the way you are, Galaxy Demons opinions and all.”
After I kiss him again, he leans back, looking satisfied and relieved.
I catch a glimpse of the clock. “Better eat lunch,” I say. “I’ve got to get back to the shop.”
“I’m due at the garage, too,” Riley says. “But I can wait here, leave after you so no one spots us.”
I consider it. “Or we could leave together,” I offer. “We’ve kind of been together for years, so there’s not much need to hide. If you’re ready, that is.”
“Not just ready. Proud.”