“Yeah, I am nervous,” he answered. “Aren’t you?”
“Of course. But I’m not going to let that stop me from having a good time with you.” He moved to head toward the movie theater.
“Wait,” Miguel called out. He wasn’t ready to go in yet. Maybe they should have talked more about what to expect before leaving the apartment.
Hector turned back, a questioning frown on his forehead.
“You know we might get a few looks if people realize we’re on a date. And if somebody really feels like showing their ass, they might even have something gross to say. It’s different being out in public than when it’s just the two of us on your couch. I don’t want anything some ignorant bigot might do or say to change your mind about us.”
Hector was quiet for a moment as he considered Miguel’s comments. When he finally responded, his jaw was hard with determination. “I know this isn’t going to be easy. But if people want to throw us dirty looks or say something stupid, I’ll just have to get used to it. I can’t control people’s reactions, and I’m damn sure not going to let them change my mind about us. So I might as well start out the way I plan to continue on, holding your hand, proud and happy to be with you. The only thing I’m ashamed about is the fact that it took me so long to get to this point. Now that I have, no one’s ignorant looks or comments are going to stop me from doing what I want with the only person who matters.”
Hector ended his speech. He held his hand out, calmly waiting for Miguel to decide whether to take it.
There was only one decision Miguel wanted to make. He reached for his boyfriend’s hand, melting a little inside when their fingers laced together. Hector had always been his hero. Of course, it wouldn’t be any different now that he was his lover. Well, he was almost his lover. His face heated as he wondered if they would go all the way tonight.
Hand in hand, they walked across the parking lot to the movie theater. Hector bought their tickets. Miguel considered offering to pay for them, not wanting to be in the same situation he’d been in with Santos, but he let it go. He didn’t want their first date spoiled by any discussions on relationship roles and who should pay for what. Besides, Santos had paid for everything then turned around and rubbed Miguel’s face in it. Hector wasn’t like that, so it shouldn’t be an issue.
The attendant took their tickets and gave them menus as he pointed out the correct theater. Once inside, Miguel led the way to seats near the back.
“Are we sitting back here so we can make out?” Hector asked in a teasing whisper.
“No.” Miguel gave him a prim look over his shoulder. “And you’d better not try to cop a feel either,” he warned.
Hector laughed as they sat down in the plush chairs. They decided to get a few appetizers to share, along with sodas. The server came over after they pressed the call button, and they quickly placed their order. With that done, they settled back to watch the preview trailers. Once they ended, Hector leaned over to whisper into Miguel’s ear.
“I hope this movie is good. The first one rocked, but the second was kind of a dud.”
Miguel just shrugged. He sat in a dark theater with Hector. There was no ‘bro-zone’ seat between them. They were a couple. It didn’t matter what the movie was like. His night had already been made.
Two hours later, the movie ended, and Hector and Miguel flowed out of the theater with the rest of the crowd.
“What’d you think?” Hector asked.
“Not enough zombies.”
Hector barked a laugh. “You really need to branch out and watch genres other than horror a little more often.”
“I’m just kidding. I liked it. I almost felt sorry for the bad guy. He was too hot to die like that. What did you think?”
“That last chase scene was a little improbable. But I liked it, too. They had the hero reload the clip instead of having one of those miraculous guns that never runs out of bullets.”
“Oh my god, please don’t tell me you counted the shots.”
“Can’t help it.” Hector shrugged. “It’s instinct.”
“Great. I’m dating a police dork,” Miguel teased. He abruptly stopped. Stopped talking, stopped walking.
“What?”
“It feels weird to say that. Not that you’re a police dork, because of course you are, but that we’re dating. It’s so weird. Yet somehow at the same time, so easy.”
Hector’s handsome face eased into a smile. He tugged Miguel forward again. “Of course, it’s easy. We fit together so well because we’ve known each other forever. We’re comfortable together. Neither of us has to try to impress the other because we already know the good and the bad.”
When they reached the Durango, instead of opening the door, Hector backed Miguel up against the side of it.
“Can I admit something?”
Miguel relaxed against the truck and looked up at his date. “Yeah.”