Page 33 of Everything's Better With You
“If you opened one of those cabinets and spoke into it, you’d hear echoes. I was going to…” Yeah, he wouldn’t be having Leslie take him grocery shopping now. It wouldn’t do for them to be chummy over in the produce section and then smack-talking each other. Joe wasn’t sure he trusted himself to do something so domestic with Leslie anyway. He did need to arrange for Leslie to take him to see his friend the car dealer so he wouldn’t be reliant upon others to get his necessities, but other than that, it was probably best if they kept their interactions on campus. Not any fun, incredibly frustrating, but probably best. Probably best sucked.
“Let’s go grab you some groceries and…flair. This place is morbid as is. Then we can do some more planning.”
Their shopping trip to Des Moines took five hours round trip as they hit up Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and Mattress Discounters. Joe would be getting a new bed delivered the next day because his body was his temple and if he was going to be a prima donna about anything it was that he needed a good mattress. He’d be of no use to anyone if hecouldn’t move. Marti dropped him off and helped him carry all of his goods into the dorm, pestering him to join them for a real dinner.
“I’m sure whatever the Buzz is cooking is going to be fabulous.” He didn’t have the energy to meal prep tonight so Buzz food it was. He got there just as they were starting to put away the food, but they dropped everything to help him. There was a way about the staff, how they rushed around, hushed voices, making sure they fawned all over him. He didn’t want to be treated like that. He didn’t like that part of being a celebrity, especially not here. Here, he wanted to be Coach Judd, and, well, someday Coach Payton’s plus one.
But what would that even look like? Could Joe see himself doing this college gig forever? Staying in Ayre Valley?
Joe brought his dinner back to his apartment and scarfed it down before flopping down on the surprisingly comfortable couch a previous resident had left behind. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift to that place he’d go when he imagined his future.
For the longest time that place was filled with all of the items on his bucket list. Winning an Emmy forDance Machine, having one of his Broadway appearances lead to Tony recognition, being head choreographer for a film or Broadway show…well, one of the shows had won a Tony, although he hadn’t been a lead, and he’d been nominated for an Emmy. All of that had been great, but the more he got to know Les, the more the man invaded his daydreams. He began picturing Les being his plus one to the Hollywood parties, having Les accompany him to Europe, and the two of them doing some of Les’s favorite activities, which always made Joe laugh to think about; he couldn’t really picture himself going hunting or snowmobiling, but he’d been willing to try them if it meant being with Les. But when Les had invited him to spend time with him in Hawaii…things had changed in that daydream. Then he was picturing what their house would look like and where, having drinks on the beach, hiking the ruins in South America, all things they talked about wanting to do someday. Had someday really arrived? Joe was a little jumpy thinking along those lines. Someday was someday. He was too young for someday to be now. Right?
Joe knew once he had that kind of someday with Leslie, he wouldn’twant to leave. But he was terrified that he’d hurt the man who’d come to mean so much to him.
As if he’d sensed Joe’s thoughts, Leslie texted him.
I’m sorry I didn’t text earlier. Did you eat?
I did. Buzz food is mmm mmm good.
Stop it. Can I get you anything?
A date for our car shopping trip. Marti took me to Des Moines and I’ve got all the basics but I need my own wheels, and ones with GPS. I still don’t know how y’all navigate around here with all of these random roads.
Let’s go tomorrow. I have time after morning practice. We’ll be doing double days, but practicing in the evening at the high school field. Without the weight room, I’m going to have to get creative.
Mmm creative. Let me know if you need ideas.
I like your ideas.
Joe watched the three dots floating for severalminutes and then he laughed.
Let me come pick you up. You can show me your ideas.
A thrill ran through Joe’s chest. They’d be sneaking around, it could be fun, but he was a little old for that, wasn’t he?
I need beauty rest tonight but tomorrow would be great. You can show me what I should be driving.
You did that on purpose.
Joe covered his mouth.I can’t help it. You’re so easy.
I could be. For you, I’d be anything.
Joe rubbed at his chest. How was it that with just a few words Leslie made him feel cherished, special. Important.
You are too good for me.
I could be bad for you.
Joe barked out a laugh and his skin heated.
Oh, I’d like to see you try. Text me when you’re ready tomorrow. I’m going to take a cold shower now, thanks. I’m glad I’m here, Leslie. Closer to you.Soon, okay?
Soon. See you tomorrow.
Joe did exactly what he’d said. Took a cold shower and allowed himself more of those daydreams where he went to bed with Leslie every night, shared morning routines, went to school functions. Could that be his someday?
