Page 17 of Ravenous

“How did you figure that out?” Finn was still tense; with effort, he managed to drop his shoulders and unclench his jaw.

“It wasn’t a quick thing. It took a long time for me to come to terms with it because I was married to Sharon and we’d built a family. But there’s no need to label yourself or agonize. All you need to worry about is if you like him and if he’s good for you.”

Finn thought about Ollie’s light blue eyes, like forget-me-nots in bloom, how his curls bounced when he moved, how his sweet face showed vulnerability and tenderness whenever he looked at Finn, sending a possessive streak surging through his veins. “Yeah, I do. Like him, I mean.A lot.”

“Really?” Owen’s eyebrows shot up again. “More than the flight attendant who took you to Italy?”

“Janine? Yeah. She was wonderful but wanted to move abroad. Even if she stayed local, we had different goals.”

“Ah. What about the one who was Liam’s age?”

“Ellie? She’s a few years older than him and didn't want anything serious.” Finn put a finger on his chin, looking up at the ceiling in thought. “She was super cool, I should give her a call. She has a good head on her shoulders, maybe I could bounce this off her.”

“It’s amazing how you still talk to your exes.” Owen shook his head in astonishment, and Finn knew it was because Owen’s ex-wife was so evil that she had an entire suite awaiting her in Hell.

“Of course I do. They’re all kickass women but…” Finn didn’t quite know how to complete the sentence.

“But they’re not him,” Owen supplied knowingly.

Finn breathed out, a soft grin on his face. “Yeah, and to answer your question Idothink he’s good for me. I just need to get to know him a little better, which is my problem. I got his number a few days ago and I’ve been procrastinating. I’m never like this.”

Owen smirked.

“What?” Finn’s grin morphed into a scowl.

“Remember when we were at that sushi place and I revealed how I felt about Liam? You said I was all moonfaced.”

“Yeah?” Finn could feel it coming.

“Now you’re the moonfaced one.” Owen was practically crowing but, despite his teasing, he was clearly happy for Finn. “How did you meet him?”

“He was one of my rideshare passengers. We met a few months ago but I didn’t get his contact information. I thought I’d never see him again.” Finn couldn’t stop the stupid grin from resurfacing. “But it turns out he moved to the area and we ran into each other earlier this week.”

“That’s fate!” Owen nudged Finn’s shoulder. “Youhaveto contact him now.”

“I’m…I guess I’m nervous? I figured I’d ask for your advice since you’re my gay expert. What should I do?”

“Gay expert? Hardly. You treat him like a person, Finn. A person you like.”

“Come on, Opie. You don’t have any tips?” Sliding down the couch, Finn rested his head on the back, splaying his legs out in front of him.

“Be yourself.” Owen nudged him again. “And text him or call him. Stop putting it off.”

“Aargh,” Finn threw his hands in the air. “I figured you’d say that.”

Finn stared at his phone, searching his brain for the best way to break the ice. His messenger app had been open for the past ten minutes and he’d typed the beginning of a sentence far too many times, only to hit the backspace key and start all over again.

Taking a deep breath, he cracked his neck and decided to go with the truth.

I’m sorry I didn’t contact you. It’s been a week. I lost my job, well, two of my jobs. And now that I have some free time I would love to see you again. Also, I hope you’re feeling better!

Pressingsendbefore he could change his mind, he tossed the phone on the passenger seat and sighed, leaning his forehead against the wheel. Thankfully he’d moved his car from the very front of The Pointe’s parking lot to the back corner by the towering green bushes, where no one could see his indecision and suffering. He had no idea if Ollie would reply. Was four days too long forhim?

The phone chimed and he scrambled for it, a wide smile spreading across his face as he read Ollie’s message.

You had two jobs???was followed by a tear emoji.And yes I’m totally fine now!

His thumbs flew across the screen.With the rideshare it was three. But I’m okay.My best friend came through and got me something.

---