Page 22 of Love Potion

“I found this workshop online about the spectrum of sexuality.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

“They talk about some terms I’ve heard before but don’t really understand. Maybe I’ll learn something.”

Bane nods. “Yeah, maybe. When is it?”

“Next week.”

“Do you want company?”

I shake my head. “Not for this one, but thanks.”

Bane studies me for a second before asking, “What kind of terms are they covering?”

I feel my cheeks warming, but if I can’t open up to Bane, who can I talk to? “Demisexual was one. Asexual. Something called gray-asexual. There were some others too. I guess I wonder if I might be on some kind of spectrum that I’m not aware of.”

“I thought you looked into asexuality before and it didn’t resonate.”

“True, but those other ones are new to me. I figure it doesn’t hurt to check it out.”

“No, of course not.” He reaches across the table to hold my hand. “Just remember, it doesn’t matter where you fall. There’s nothing wrong with you.”

I nod, chewing on my bottom lip. I want to believe him, but it’s hard after the dating experiences I’ve had.

“Thanks, Bane.”

“Is this because of seeing Alec again?”

“No, not at all. I just want…” I pause as the server appears with our wine, waiting while he opens it and fills our glasses.

“Go on,” Bane says once the server is gone.

“I’ve been thinking.” I take a sip of my wine, if anything just to stall what I’m about to say. “Have you thought about going back on the apps?”

“Apps?”

“Dating apps.”

Bane’s expression falls before a deep crease appears across his forehead. “What? Why would you ask me that?”

“I guess I feel like maybe you’re not dating to keep me company.”

He literally rolls his eyes. “Come on, Jerr. You know me better than that.”

“It’s been on my mind a lot lately. We’ve seen every one of our friends fall in love recently, and I think you deserve that kind of happiness too.”

He levels me with his signature glare, the one that comes closest to causing a flutter in my stomach.

“Jerr, spending time with you, doing the things we enjoy does make me happy. If I wanted more or different, I would go get it. I have to ask… is this about you wanting to get back out there and date?”

I almost choke on my own breath. “No.”

“So you’re just worried about me?”

I nod, staring at my wine.

“Look at me.”

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