Page 61 of Under Construction

Or at least tries to. His father speaks before he can even say hello.

"We need those permit modifications by tomorrow morning."

Dennis stifles a sigh into his phone. Glances at the wall clock. "Um, it's almost midnight."

"The material order goes through at nine AM," his father's voice carries that familiar edge of impatience. "Unless you'd rather explain to the investors why we're behind schedule. Again."

“No, of course not, but father—”

"Then I suggest you work quickly."

“Dad!”

His father hangs up.

Dennis wants to chuck his phone across the room, but that would be stupid. The hassle and trauma of transferringeverything to a new phone is the only thing he’d win from one second of lost control.

Consequences. Logical thought. One’s mind should be like bamboo—flexible, swaying with the wind. Always bending, never breaking.

Or some shit like that.

Not that it’s wrong. No one wins with stupidity and rashness.

Although, the last time he did something stupid and rash... well, he got Chris, didn't he?

Dennis scrubs his palm furiously over his face, trying to erase the blush spreading there.

Focus.

Back to what his father needs.

The modifications are on his home computer. Because of course they are. Because the universe hates him.

Well. Almost hates him. Because this might finally be his chance to—

He glances at the clock. Chris should be done at the gym by now, probably fresh out of the shower...

Dennis grins to himself. He grabs his phone and texts Chris:

Need a favor

The response hits his phone instantly:

Anything princess. Just finished up and heading out. Was gonna drive by and check on you anyway

Something warm with just a tinge ofouchflickers in Dennis’s chest.

No, no,nonono. Absolutely not.

He's not acknowledging whatever that feeling is.

This is simple and uncomplicated. Things are good and fun. They're just casual hook-up buddies who happen to really enjoy each other's company.

Most people these days don't evengetthat much. He’s on to a real great thing, in all fairness. One that he's not about to mess up for himself by getting dumb feelings involved.

More importantly, he refuses to fuck things up for Chris who’s already established that none of this means anything.

Bzzz.

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