Isaac: It did get a little heavy.
Isaac: We balanced the stressful conversation with a little… FUN!
Me: FUN is an understatement.
What we did was make out like a couple of horny teenagers. It was more than fun. It was exciting, hot, sexy, and better than any make out session I’ve experienced. It was hard to leave the warmth and safety of Isaac’s bed this morning, but part of me was hesitant to face him. I know he isn’t anything like Mike, but a small part of me still fears he will reject me or tell me how boring I am in bed.
Isaac: It was sexy as fuck, and I can’t wait to do it again… and more.
Isaac: When you’re ready. No pressure.
Every time he says things like that another brick falls from the wall I’ve created. I believe him. I trust him. Standing there, staring at my phone, I realize for the first time, I truly believe those thoughts. I do trust Isaac and I believe he loves me.
Isaac: I have to be at the airport early Saturday afternoon to leave for our away game. I’d like to take you out Friday since we won’t see each other for a couple of days.
Isaac: I know it’s still a few days away, but I need to make a reservation and want to make sure you’re available.
Me: I’d like that.
Isaac: Good. I’ve been wanting to take you to my favorite place. Can you meet me at my house around seven? We can take one car and then you can spend the night.
Me: It’s a date!
I add a few heart emojis.
Isaac: Have a good day. I love you.
Me: You, too. I love you.
When I finally pocket my phone and look up, Hope is staring at me with a knowing look on her face. Without a word, I pick up my bag and coffee, turning for my office. Three steps later, Hope speaks.
“Not so fast. That was quite a smile. Something you want to share?”
“Nothing to share,” I lie.
She scoffs, “Right. Look, I tend to play mama bear to Carter and his friends, so I’m just going to come right out with it. Was that Isaac?”
“Wh-what? Why would you ask me that?” Not only do I sound completely unconvincing, but I don’t even bother turning around to look at Hope. How does she know about us? This is bad. This is really bad.
“He’s a great guy. You two make a cute couple.”
“No. It’s not like that. We’re friends.” I’m sure she can hear the terror in my voice.
“Evan, is everything alright?” she asks, coming to stand infront of me. If she didn’t hear the fear, she can see it on my face and her demeanor changes. “Hey, what’s wrong? If I’m wrong about you two, tell me. I thought I picked up on a vibe between you when we were setting up the office. He’s stopped by the office a few times and I’ve seen you two talking in the hallway.”
“Is it obvious?”
“Kind of.”
“Shit.” I drop into the nearest chair and set my breakfast on the desk next to it. “You can’t tell anyone what you think you know.”
“You mean what IknowI know,” she teases.
“Hope, please,” I beg.
She pulls over a chair and sits, facing me. “What’s going on, Evan?”
“I can’t tell you.”