Page 71 of Napkins and Other Distractions
“Ah, the benefits. We love a tasty owjob-blay.” Marvin looks off, surely reminiscing about his own escapades with Olan.
“Yeah, but then, these damn feelings snuck their way in.”
“That’s what love does to you. Allows you to see someone, even their flaws, and want them anyway.”
“Me seeing him, wanting him. That’s not what worries me.”
“Vincent, stop that right now. Remember, we’re owning our love lives. Taking action. As Mariah sings, ‘Make It Happen.’”
“But what if he realizes I’m … ” The words get stuck in my throat, and my fingers fold the napkin’s edge. Over. Fold. Over. Fold.
“Bald?”
“He knows I’m bald. I can’t really hide that.” I pull my beanie off, point to my head, and pop it back on. “No, my OCD.”
“Vincent, he knows you have OCD. You can’t hide that either. I knew after five minutes.”
I purse my lips.
“But maybe when he sees how bad it can get … ”
“You’re catastrophizing. Stop. Take a breath. I’ll take one with you.”
He puts his hand out, and I take it. His fingers wrap around mine, and he nods. Together, we take a prolonged inhale. I wait for him, and slowly, we exhale together. Marvin lets go of my hand and smiles.
“There. Now, when will you see him next?” he asks. “I mean outside of school.”
“Tonight. He’s bringing Purple Giraffe over.” I grab the small bottle of sanitizer from my bag and squirt a generous amount on my palm.
“But you’re not hungry for Korean-Mexican fusion.”
“Nope.”
“You want that ick-day.”
I nod and smile, and again, we burst into giggles. This time, our laughter is disruptive enough to draw Illona’s attention. She rolls her eyes and says, “Grown-ups. Oy.” I look at Marvin. He looks at me, and once again, we crack up.
CHAPTER 24
Kent
“Hey.”
Vincent greets me at the door wearing a white V-neck, cream joggers, and bare feet. The man knows I’m a sucker for him in a V-neck. The area below his Adam’s apple invites my gaze, and I do my best not to stare.
I hold the takeout up. “Got your regular. And extra napkins.”
Vincent smiles, takes the bag from me, and heads to his kitchen.
“Thank you. And I have plenty of napkins.”
From behind, his thin shirt hugs his back, and I can make out his shoulder blades. I slip my shoes off at the door and follow him into the kitchen, my eyes wandering down to his plump ass. With each step, it seems to taunt me. First, his feet. Now his ass. Maybe everything about Vincent Manda excites me.
“Are you hungry?” Vincent sets the bag on his island. “Or did you want to take advantage of … my mood from earlier?”
He’s in my arms, nestling into my neck. The skin of his head rubs against my beard, and I can’t help myself—I give the top a little peck. I want to kiss and lick his entire head, but Vincent probably wouldn’t like that. I’m here one minute and he’s got me going.
“That was,” I say, glancing at my watch, “almost seven hours ago. Your mood, it’s still … ”
