Page 20 of This or That
Spent, I lean to the side of the bed to snatch some tissues from the box on the nightstand and clean up my sticky abs and hand. Resolve courses through me, and I grab my iPhone, scrolling through my contacts.
Mike: I shouldn’t have skulked like I did. You didn’t deserve it. You’ve been nothing but nice. I shouldn’t have left the ship without saying goodbye.
Hope skyrockets when three little dots flash on the screen, indicating an incoming answer.
Troy: Goodbye.
What? That’s all I get? Yeah, yeah, I fled like the coward that I am because the chance of someone—anyone—knowing that I allowed another man to touch me inappropriately suffocated me in a flash. Literally.
Mike: Let’s get together. I’ll explain.
Troy: Can’t. It’s a little too late for that.
Explain what anyway?
My heart lurches. I deserve to be brushed off, but I was hoping…
Mike: Can’t or don’t want to?
Troy: I’m back in NY. I intended to share my plans with you, in case you were interested. Clearly, you weren’t and left me no choice. Explain what?
Mike: What? Already?
Troy: Nothing tied me to Rio. Had a business meeting to attend. You vanished and went incommunicado, Mike. You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today. Explain what?
No emojis are paired with his texts as was previously the case. It’s probably his way of keeping his distance… via text. I would prefer to tell him in person, but evidently, I don’t have much of a choice.
Mike: I just watched porn.
Troy: Good for you! Is that what prompted this convo after you ghosted me for over a week?
Mike: I guess.
Troy: Should I be proud or offended?
Mike: I’m sorry, okay. That’s what I want to explain. I want to try. Us. Together. Please…
Troy: An epiphany, thanks to porn?
Typing becomes excruciatingly difficult. He doesn’t push me. Clearing my throat, I hate that it constricts as I type.
Gay porn.
Chapter 13
Made for You
Troy
After immersing myself in the electro world, I need to recharge with country music. Blake Shelton’s latest album, which I’ve been playing on repeat, is replaced by another familiar voice.
“Look, I’m about to board a plane to New York.” Grabbing my carry-on, I join the already crowded boarding line in LAX. I make a point to keep my voice low since I’m talking through wireless earbuds. “What’s all that racket on your end?”
“Woke up at the crack of dawn. I’m shooting a commercial today. Thought it’d be easier to reach you at this time of day. Don’t worry, you’re not on speaker!”
“Ha-ha.” As if my sex life’s a hot topic! “Nothing to report anyway.”
“Really?” Her raspy morning voice is tinged with bewilderment.
