Page 29 of Tobias

“So, you owe me an answer,” he says, completely changing gears. Maybe it’s for the best.

I sigh. “I just needed more proof.”

“That you’re into guys?” I nod. “And you couldn’t do that on your own?”

“Why do you sound like you don’t want to be here?”

“I’m—”

“You could have denied the request for a date with me. I would have heard you loud and clear," I say defensively.

“That’s not what I’m trying to say. Why are you so grumpy today?”

I blink a few times, then lean back in my chair. “Sorry, I’m just stressed out.”

Understatement. I am so fucking stressed out, and it only seems to be getting worse the longer I sit here, but it isn't enough to make me get up and leave.

“Clearly.”

The appetizer is dropped off and we pick at it without speaking to one another. Our food orders go in, and then we wait in awkward silence. Until I can’t take it anymore.

“Do you ever sleep with dates?” I ask.

“Are you asking because you want me to sleep with you? Because that would be a bad idea.”

He didn’t say he doesn’t want to sleep with me… but that's not the way I should be thinking.

“Why would it be a bad idea?” I’m offended he would say that. What about me is a bad idea? I'm a very nice guy.

“No offense, but I can’t have you getting attached.”

No offense? Is he serious?

“Why in the world do you think that would happen?”

“You want my honesty?”

I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. “Yes, I do.”

Tobias sighs, reaching for his drink to take a sip before answering. “You’re vulnerable and curious. You’re stressed out with your life and from what I see of you, I think being with a man would make you happy. I think you’d misplaceyour feelings, get attached to me because I’ve been nice, you’re comfortable with me, and then I would be your first.” He takes another sip, adding, “And I’m amazing in bed, so—”

I choke out a laugh, feeling entirely insulted by everything he just said but also humored. “That’s really what you think about me?”

He shrugs. “You’re not the first guy I’ve met who has questioned their sexuality. Gay men living straight lives are messy. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Not to mention, you’re still with a woman. You have no idea what you want, and I can’t get caught in the crossfire of that.”

“Well, damn, Tobias. Thanks for being nice about it.”

“You said you wanted honesty.”

I scoff again.

He narrows his eyes, then scoots his chair out. “I think it’s best that I go.”

“No, don’t,” I say just as he moves to get up. His eyes lock with mine. “Please?”

He sighs but sits back down.

“Let’s stay off the subject and talk about something safe,” I suggest. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to make this weird.”

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