Page 81 of Napkins and Other Distractions
Vincent tucks himself on a stool next to Ruth and grabs a wine glass from the collection on the counter.
“Sir,” Ruth says, lifting the bottle and giving Vincent a generous pour. She fills her glass and holds it up. “Cheers. To queers!”
We take turns clinking glasses, and when my glass touches Vincent’s, we make eye contact briefly. I do my best to give him a warm, reassuring look.
“And you, Corrine,” Ruth adds.
“Hey, I’m an honorary lesbian.” She winks at Ruth.
“We welcome everyone,” Ruth says, and a small laugh escapes from Vincent’s mouth. Corrine joins him, followed by me, and finally Ruth.
The wine flows … we finish two bottles, and Vincent continues to be utterly charming. When the serving fork slips out of my hand, and breast meat falls onto his plate, splattering chicken juice and a smattering of potatoes on his freshly pressed shirt, he doesn’t flinch. He takes an extra napkin from Corrine, does his best to wipe himself off, smiles at me, and moves on. He’s trying so hard. My heart kvells.
With Ruth’s pineapple upside-down cake almost finished, Corrine yawns and gives me her patented I’m-ready-to-leave-now look.
“Well, it’s almost this old lady’s bedtime,” she says.
“Corrine, is this what happens when you near fifty?” Ruth asks.
“Pretty much,” she replies, “although I’ve been an early bedtime girl since Kent began teaching.”
“Valid.” Ruth stands and folds her napkin. “I’ll walk you out. We can leave the men to do … manly things.” She raises her eyebrows at me and smiles. I chuckle because her heart really is pure. Ruth just wants everyone to have as much sex as she does, and well, I’m starting to understand her viewpoint.
“Vincent. I can see why Kent likes you so much,” Corrine says at the door. “You’re wonderful.” She gives Vincent a sweet smile and then leans over and gives him a peck on the cheek. When she pulls back, his ears have flushed pink. The smile that creeps across my face confirms what I’m realizing. Vincent Manda’s blush definitely gets my heart racing.
“Thank you,” Vincent replies. “I’m so glad we got to spend a little time together.”
“We’ll do it again,” Corrine replies. “Maybe go out. I’ll drag Charlie.”
“If you can get him to stop hitting other men with sticks,” Ruth says. “Hockey. Officially the least gay sport in existence.”
“Any sport with a locker room is gay,” Vincent says, and when both Corrine and Ruth laugh, my smile beams.
Finally, alone, Vincent leans against the closed door and sighs.
“You were amazing.” I grab his waist and press my torso against his. “I told you she’d love you.”
“How can you tell?”
“I know Corrine. If she didn’t adore you to bits, she would’ve been polite, but calling you wonderful? No way.”
“I’m exhausted,” he says, resting his head on my shoulder and nestling into the crook of my neck. As his warm breath caresses my skin, I realize being close to Vincent Manda is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the world.
“I have an idea,” I say. “To help you wind down.”
“What?”
“Come.”
I take his hand and tickle his palm with my fingers as I lead him into my bathroom, hoping he’ll enjoy my surprise.
CHAPTER 27
Vincent
Kent’s bathroom is surprisingly enormous. A long double vanity with under-mounted sinks takes up most of the far wall. There’s a shower stall, covered entirely from floor to ceiling with glass tiles in different shades of blue. The large round soaking tub, big enough for at least three people, near the window, has an edge at least a foot around dotted with candles and small plants. I’d never have guessed Kent to have such an opulent bathroom.
In the corner, a hamper overflows with laundry cascading to the floor. Amid the overall tidiness, it’s the one moment of disorder.
