Page 139 of Game Changer
“Forget it,” Kyle said, waving a hand dismissively. “You’re obviously going through something and I’m not interested in making it worse. And I’m sorry if Ididmake it worse. I shouldn’t have come onto you like that. It was irresponsible of me.”
“It’s fine,” Kip said. “I mean, I’m flattered and everything, but, yeah. Like you said. I’m kinda going through something.”
Kip’s eyes were suddenly stinging, which was great because he hadn’t embarrassed himself enough in front of this guy.
“You like history?” Kyle asked. It was an obvious attempt to change the subject. Kip appreciated it. Kyle was nice.
“Yeah. I majored in it. I’m, um, I’m hoping to do my master’s degree in the fall.”
“No kidding? I’m doing mine now. Part-time, anyway.”
“In history?”
“No. That was my undergrad degree; I’m doing my master’s in ancient art and archaeology. At Columbia.”
Kip was impressed. “That’s awesome! I had no idea.”
Kyle smiled. “Well, we’ve never really talked much beyond drink orders and flirting.”
Kip looked down, embarrassed. “I’m sorry if I led you on the other night,” he mumbled at Kyle’s (really nice) boots.
“Forget about it. I’m just glad you got home safe. Or got somewhere safe, anyway. I was worried.”
“You were?”
“You seem surprised.”
Kip flushed a bit. He felt like he was being an asshole, maybe. He probably shouldn’t be talking to anyone. “Sorry. I’m a total mess right now.”
Kyle seemed to consider him a moment. “Do you want to get a coffee?”
“Oh, um. I’m not... I mean, normally I would, but...”
“Relax. You just seem like you could use a friend. Maybe we could talk about whatever is troubling you. Or about grad school.”
Kip wasn’t sure hecouldtalk about his problems with this near stranger, but he sure didn’t have anything better to do. “All right. Sure. Thanks.”
They went to the in-store Starbucks and brought their lattes to a table against the wall.
“I didn’t know you wear glasses,” Kip said.
“Just one of many fascinating things about me.”
“And you were a history major!”
Kyle gently pulled the lid off his cup and blew at the foam. “History and Latin, actually. Double major. But enough about me. What’s making you so sad, Kip?”
“I...” It wouldn’t hurt to try this. Maybe an impartial stranger was exactly what he needed. “I’ve been seeing someone. For a few months now. And... I love him. We’re in love. Or, we were. I don’t know anymore.”
“Tell me about him.”
“He’s...” Kip smiled a little. “He’s gorgeous. I mean, really. He’s ridiculously hot. And he’s smart, and caring, and generous, and just...wonderful.”
“And he’s, let me guess...married?”
Kip shook his head. “No. But heiscloseted.”
Kyle gave him a knowing look. “Word of advice, based on personal experience: Don’t mess with the closeted ones.”
