Page 266 of Worthy

“He’s not okay with it?”

“He doesn’t understand why if I also like girls why I can’t just only date them. He’s been trying to set me up with his girlfriend’s sister, so I’ve been avoiding his calls.”

“Ah. He has the mindset I’ve had for so long. And he’s like my parents when it comes to trying to force girls on you.”

“Yeah, it’s annoying.”

“How old is he?”

“Twenty-nine. He’s seven years older and acts like he’s my dad sometimes.”

“I’m an only child, so I don’t have to deal with that but at the same time, it just means my parents get to focus all their attention on me.”

I pull into the diner’s parking lot, but we stay in the car.

“Well, I know we’re just getting to know each other, but I really like you,” Oliver says, giving me a shy smile. “I know you’re just starting out on this journey, so I don’t expect you to tie yourself to me.”

“You think I’m gonna be out looking for other guys to hookup with? When I have you in my house?”

He grins. “Is that all I am? A close proximity fuck?”

“Obviously,” I tease. He rolls his eyes. “I’m playing. I like you, and what we have going on has been really fun so far. I’m not in a rush to meet anyone else.”

“Okay,” he says with a smile. “Let’s go eat. Maybe we can cross off another thing on your list later tonight.”

“There’s really only one thing.”

“I know,” he replies with a mischievous smile.

***

Oliver and I have a great lunch. We talk about movies, music, sports, favorite foods, and embarrassing drunk stories.

After an hour and a half in the restaurant, we get in the car and drive to Lake Renap, parking in a spot that faces the water. We continue our conversation there, but this time we touch each other in small ways. His hand lands on my thigh and my fingers clasp with his.

Later, when we walk into the house, we’re met with the faces of our roommates.

“Hey, guys,” I say, cutting off my laughter with Oliver.

“Hey.”

“What’s going on?” they say simultaneously.

“Not much,” I reply. “Just went to get something to eat.”

“Thought I heard some…commotion last night,” Mason says, giving me a knowing grin.

“Oh?” I question, walking to the fridge and ignoring my roommates’ curious gazes. “Well, you went to bed before everyone left, so I’m sure there was a lot of noise still.”

Dameion pops a chip in his mouth, watching me and Mason like we’re a movie.

“I meant upstairs,” Mason says.

My eyes find Oliver before I clear my throat. He looks unconcerned, but my heart is going a hundred miles a minute. I guess I could tell them. Like I told Oliver, I’m not worried they’ll react negatively. I just don’t really know how to start.

“Well, uhh, I don’t know. I guess I should tell you guys something,” I say, clutching a water bottle in my hand when I spin away from the fridge.

Dame crosses his arms in front of his chest, a smile on his face.

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