Chapter Five #4
Blake shrugged. He liked Maggie; had liked her from the moment they met up. She had answered his roommate ad and, while shaking his hand, she asked him point-blank if he was a serial killer so she could save herself the time. “Yeah, she’s single. But that’s a nonstarter.”
“Why?”
Blake snorted. “I seriously doubt she’s into the same things I am.”
“How would you even know—”
“And.” Blake interrupted. “I’m trying to keep my secrets secret, so I’m not about to go blabbing them to a writer.”
“But you’re a writer.”
“It’s different. She’s a journalist. I write grant applications.”
Andrew studied him for longer than was comfortable, making Blake respond “What?” more harshly than he intended.
“But you’re attracted to her.”
He could deny it, but Andrew knew him too well. “She’s pretty and smart, so yes. But it’s not going anywhere. We’re not even really friends friends. Only roommates.” They didn’t hang out, and they didn’t take meals together or watch shows together. And that was fine. It kept things simple.
“OK, OK, just asking.” Andrew held up his hands, a gesture of surrender.
“Speaking of attraction. How’s that guy you’ve been seeing? Zane, was it? You finally going to tell me about him?” Andrew had been giving “I’m really into this guy but scared to say anything lest I jinx it” energy the last time Blake had brought it up.
Andrew averted his eyes. “I wouldn’t say finally. We’ve only been on a handful of dates …”
“How many?”
“Eight.” Andrew bit his lip. “In the last three weeks. No, two weeks. Is that too much?”
Blake waved a hand. “I’m no expert. If it works for both of you, that’s all that matters.”
“Thanks.” Andrew’s gaze went soft. “He’s a middle school English teacher in Jamaica Plain.
He’s sweet. He just started a new school year, you know, and he’s been talking to me about all the books he wants the kids to read.
Modern books, not like the old dusty classics from when we were kids.
And he’s close with his family, which I love, and he hates horror movies, which I don’t love, but I can learn to live with, although I’m hoping he’s still going to go with me to the Halloween Film Festival next month. ”
Andrew was sweet like this. His expression got far-off and dreamy, the previous topic of conversation completely forgotten.
Andrew had never looked like this about a guy before.
He dated but had always been waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop.
Kind of like Blake always felt about dating.
But now Andrew had his guard down, and the change was palpable.
“I’m happy for you, man.” Blake really was. Andrew was a good guy, and he deserved a good relationship. “I like this for you.”
“It’s way too soon to say, I know, but it feels different this time.
” Andrew’s warm smile spread over his face.
“Oh! Do you want to see a picture?” He swiped through his phone and held it up toward Blake.
There was Andrew next to a Black man, slightly taller than him, with close-cropped dark curls and wire-rimmed glasses.
With his polo shirt and khakis, Zane definitely fit the “middle school teacher” vibe.
Andrew was giving the camera a broad smile and Zane wore a small, shy grin, like he couldn’t believe this was happening, but in a good way.
Blake found himself smiling as he looked at them together.
Andrew swiped to another photo. He and Zane were sitting in a duck boat, laughing.
“We decided to do tourist stuff for all our dates, even though we both live here. Duck boats, Museum of Science, the Aquarium …” He scrolled right a few more times and stopped on a photo of Zane looking at a group of seals with suspicion. “He doesn’t like seals.”
“Is he kind?”
“Very. And he’s a total nerd, like you.”
Blake didn’t fight the accusation. “What kind of nerd?” There were many kinds of nerds: plant nerds, history nerds, literature nerds, space nerds, fandom nerds, the entire gamut of nerdiness so vast he couldn’t name all the options.
“Oh, uh …” Andrew frowned. “The smart kind? I don’t know.
Books, and also science stuff, and he knows a lot of facts.
Jeopardy! sorts of things.” He shrugged.
“I was able to keep up on science and Star Trek but a lot of the rest of it left me behind. However, he’s never been to a Sox game, so I’m going to try and get him to Fenway before the season ends. ”
“A Boston must, of course.”
It was sweet seeing Andrew in love and a part of Blake ached with that longing, but he squashed it down like he always squashed it down.
“I’m starving,” Andrew said, changing the subject on his own. “You want to call it a night? I’m not getting anything else done.”
“Sounds good.” Blake logged out of the laptop.
“India Joy?”
“Yeah. But I have to bring some takeout home for Maggie. It’s her favorite.”
Andrew raised his eyebrows. “Only roommates? Not friends-friends?”
“Shut up.” Blake tossed his bag over his shoulder. “Come on, you can tell me more about Zane.”