Page 4 of Out of the Storm

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On Saturday, Gary was munching on some fries in the food court of the Eastwood Mall while he waited for his best friend, Mel, to shop for a new jean jacket. Dunking a fry into the ketchup he had previously loaded into a paper condiment cup, Gary tried to focus on the exams in front of him, which were woefully overdue for scoring. But he kept being interrupted by the constant noises of the other mall patrons—sounds of lively chatter, laughter, and the people closest to him slurping the last bits of their Orange Julius. After a few more minutes of trying to concentrate, Gary gave up and pushed the exams toward the center of the table. Might as well take a break from scrutinizing his students’ hastily scribbled equations and just enjoy the salty snack he’d bought from the food court’s burger place.

Surveying the rest of the food court, Gary’s eyes kept finding seemingly happy couples—they wereeverywhere—and each time he let himself watch them for more than a few seconds, there was a twinge in his chest, heartache and longing in one terrible tug. He’d have loved to be sharing his life with someone by now, but hehadn’t managed to find “the one,” not even when he’dreallybeen trying, though it had beenyearssince that time.

And, besides, it was probably for the best that he had thrown in the relationship towel. He wasn’t exactly made for courtship. Each time Gary had tried to be with someone, he had, without fail, become way too invested way too early, before even reallyknowingthe man he was kinda, sorta with. One two-hour movie with someone coupled with a bit of hand-holding or, heck, akissand that was it—he’d spend the whole night tossing and turning, envisioning a future with the person.

How would he ever manage to correctly assess his compatibility with someone if his heart’s response to even theslightestbit of affection was to latch on so tight it was impossible to be even alittleobjective?

After a few more minutes of self-reflection, Gary rubbed his salt-and-oil-coated fingers on his pants, fighting back a defeated sigh at the knowledge that he had pretty much wasted his “free” time lost in thought rather than catching up on work. Gathering up his papers, Gary looked up, only for his eyes to find the most handsome man he had probably ever seen in person, one who wasnice looking enough to make even the muddy-brown custodial jumpsuit he was sporting lookincrediblyalluring. Or, more likely, Gary was simply so sex-starved that he had lost touch with reality. Still, he continued to admire the man for another couple of seconds. With his short scruffy beard, brown eyes, strong jawline, and clearly fit physique, the unfairly handsome custodial worker ought to have been the star of some sort of Hollywood film, not mopping up spilled pop in a mediocre food court.

While Gary was busy staring, the beautiful man stopped mopping to throw a threatening scowl at some rowdy teenagers, and boy, his facial expression provided an entirely new meaning to the phrase “if looks could kill.” Yeah, this particular custodian was handsome enough to be the star of a movie alright, though the film might have to be a slasher.

Gary startled when a hand came to rest on his shoulder.

“Yum,” Mel said, setting her shopping bag on the tile floor and sitting beside him. “Darkandhandsome.”

“Mel,” Gary started with a playful scoff, “as a beloved local radio star and adjunct mathematics professor, I have little time to woodark and handsomemen, especially surly-looking custodians who are probably very straight.”

“Nothing wrong with enjoying some eye candy.” Mel propped her elbow up on the table and rested her cheek on her fist, her mass of light-brown curls barely even budging from the motion. Geez Louise, Mel sure used a lot of hair spray. When the scent of her Aqua Net hit Gary’s nostrils, he wrinkled his nose to stifle a burgeoning sneeze. “Besides, graham crackers are kind of boring without the chocolate and marshmallow.”

Gary let out an amused huff. “Are you suggesting I find a blond man too?”

“Oh no, of course not, Gare. General Grump over there is the chocolate, but you two would need to make your own white, sticky—”

Before she could finish, Gary pelted her with a fry, which in turn had her erupting with laughter, and so, he proceeded to throw a couple more. When he moved to throw an entire handful, he caught sight of General Grump, whose brown eyes were now shooting invisible laser beams in his direction. Gary’s smile fell away.

“Uh-oh,” Mel teased. “He’s mad now.”

Heat rushed to Gary’s cheeks, and he tossed the fries back into the red-and-white cardboard boat.

“Shoot,” he muttered.

Even though Gary was no longer a threat to the mall’s cleanliness, General Grump started stalking over.

“Shit.”

Mel elbowed him in the bicep. “Wow, threat level elevated from ‘shoot’ to ‘shit,’ huh?”

“Mel!” Gary scolded.

When the sexy potential-slasher-slash-custodian stopped next to the table and leveled a menacing look—furrowing his brows and tilting his head a bit—Gary knew he needed to ease the tension somehow.

“Had I been a bit messier, you’d have caught me red-handed,” he said with a nervous laugh. General Grump’s face softened, and he cocked an eyebrow but otherwise stayed silent. “Ketchup?” Gary tried. Nothing. “Or maybe you prefer to call itcatsup?”

Mel sighed and said, “Don’t mind him, sir, he thinks he’s funny.”

General Grump had yet to break eye contact.

Very pointedly, the handsome custodial worker said, “Don’t. Throw. Food.”

Despite the irritation in the man’s tone, Gary’s stomach fluttered a little, the sound of his slightly gravelly voice sending little ripples ofwantwashing over Gary’s skin, making his face burn even hotter. Gosh, this man wassomething.

“Come on,” Mel said, standing up and tugging on the sleeve of Gary’s coat. “We better head back. It’s nearly four.”

One hour ’til showtime.

“I’m sorry about the mess,” Gary said, finally looking away so that he could scoop up the rest of his students’ exams. He tucked them under his arm as he pushed himself to stand. “If you had heard her terrible comments, I’m sure you’d have supported the assault.” Assault. Salt. General Grumphadto have understoodthat one.

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