Page 89 of Refraction

“Practical Magicis perfect. And you can pretty much bet I’ll never sleep in the pool, tiger. I’m a little worried about even getting in. Are your eggs okay?”

“My eggs are perfect, and you never know. I can get you a giant floatie shaped like a Longhorn that we can both fit on.” There wasn’t a pool of water that worried him.

“Haha. No, thanks. Unless it comes with a seat belt. God, I’m stuffed.” Calvin pushed back from the table.

“A seat belt? That would be dangerous, I’d think. You ought to learn the basics, honey, just for safety, if not for fun.” He didn’t know anyone that couldn’t swim.

Calvin nodded. “I’m gonna let you teach me, but that doesn’t mean I’m not nervous. I’d like it to be fun eventually.”

“That’s fair.” He had faith. There was nothing worrisome in his pool, and there was a lovely hot tub that was heaven in the winter.

The table got quiet for a bit, and when he looked up from his food again, Calvin was just smiling at him, watching.

“Everything okay, honey?” He smiled right back. Christ, he could watch Calvin forever.

“Never been better. You’re just so handsome.” Calvin’s eyes twinkled at him. “Two lies and one truth?”

“Mmm… Is there anything you don’t know about me?” He thought about it. “You’re the first person I ever made love with. I was in love with a guy in college who has eight kids now. I work SXSW every year.”

Calvin laughed. “What the hell would you do at SXSW? I already know I was your first, tiger. You told me… our first time. You sure didn’t act like a first-timer, though.”

“I did? Lord, I have swiss cheese memory right now. I just wanted to make you not sorry you’d brought me home.”

“The way you looked at me on the subway platform, there was no way I was ever going to be sorry. I swear you could have heard my heart beating four blocks away. Talk about first times—no one’s ever done that to me. I was worried you’d think I was a total slut for the way I went after you when I’d only known you a few hours.” Calvin was still smiling, looking relaxed and easy. “That was love at first sight, you know. I mean, I didn’t get it then, but it didn’t take long.”

“It wouldn’t be a story if it didn’t happen to people in real life.” He knew that. The things that were too big, too wild, too much? That was a rare truth.

“That’s right. I’ve always believed it was possible. I just didn’t believe it could happen for me.” Calvin shrugged one shoulder. “I’m telling you, I believe anything can happen now.”

“Good.” Should he ask about the whole losing the job thing and why it was so big? Was it time?

Nah.

They were happy right now. Calvin would tell him when he was ready.

“Dishes?” Calvin hopped up, kissed his cheek, and took his plate.

“Sure. The dishwasher works.” He watched for a second, then stood to help. He didn’t want Calvin to think he was lazy. He was just… addicted to the sight of his lover.

“You want to do the skillet the way you like?”

“Yeah. You can’t use soap. It’s a thing.” He washed it in blistering hot water, then popped it on the top of the stove to dry on the burner.

“I know, tiger. My mom loves her cast iron. But some people use oil after it’s dry and some don’t and all that.”

Calvin loaded the dishwasher. “So what do you do with this coconut goo?”

“I haven’t the foggiest. The Whole Foods people said it was super healthy and shit.”

“Huh. Well, I can google it. Do you like coconut?” Calvin walked over and picked up his phone, then put it right back down. “Later. Forgot I turned it off. Movie?”

“I like it just fine, yeah. I like coconut water a whole lot.” He led Calvin through the house to the movie room with its huge bed and screen.

Calvin laughed, diving onto the bed. “I might remember that route. It’s the route from here to the bedroom that’s gonna challenge me.”

“We can leave colored string,” he teased, and handed Calvin the remote. “The movies are in a big hard drive. You can just search.”

“Colored string.” Calvin snorted at him and then looked at the remote. “Uh. This is a fancy one, huh?”

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