“I believe I do.” Demi closes the door, and we head back into the kitchen. It’s all white, with dark slate countertops and a white-tiled backsplash. I’m digging her style.
“So?” she asks.
“So... ?”I reply.
“Are you interested?”
“Very.”
“Good. I have a few ground rules before it’s official though.”
“Do tell.”
Demi sighs, slightly uncomfortable. Or at least that’s how I’m interpreting it. “Look,Ryan.”I know that must be weird for her to say since she’s always called me Jack, even when she was screaming my name. “I know we had some fun, but I think if we’re going to live together, we should keep itplatonic.”
“Were you planning on propositioning me again?” I quiz, intrigued.
Demi shrugs. “No, but I never say never.”
“I see.”
“Besides, I’m already in a relationship.”
“You are?” I stand up a little straighter. I’m not in the business of being the “other man”.
“Yes, with Sarah.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sarah, she’s my girlfriend.” She makes it crystal clear.
“You’re gay? Then why—”
“I’m bi, and sometimes Sarah and I like a little meat in our veggie sandwiches.”
“Well, I guess that’s one way to put it.” I try desperately to keep a straight face.Don’t laugh. Don’t laugh.
“You’re okay with that?”
“I think it takes the pressure off. You two are wild animals.”
Demi grins widely. “You definitely satisfied our appetite.” I laugh so hard I nearly fall over. “Well, good to know it was a gratifying experience.”
Demi gazes at me with hooded, crystal-blue eyes. I think she’s recalling certain events of that night. I won’t lie; it was definitely the hottest night of my life. Well, second hottest. My heart nearly separates thinking about it.About her.I rub my chest, right where Alana burned me with her cigarette. I’ve learned, when I touch myself there, it takes the edge off missing her.A little.
“You okay?” Demi asks.
“Huh?” I snap out of my lost thoughts. “Yeah, fine. When can I move in? My lease is up at the end of the month.”
“The sooner the better.”
* * *
Demi and Sarahmade me dinner my first night in the apartment.
And although I thought it was going to be weird, it turned out to be pretty chill.
I learned quickly I will be home alone a lot. Demi is a flight attendant, and she is constantly traveling. Sarah runs an art gallery and is married to her work. Or, at least Demi complains she is.