Page 49 of Heat Haze
“...Thank you,” he mutters so quietly I almost don’t hear it.
I rest my head on his arm. “I haven’t even bought it yet. For all I know my account could have ten bucks in it. Let’s see, first.”
Approaching the counter is what makes the man finally acknowledge us properly, and eventhatis just him grunting before snatching the box out of Toro’s hands toscan it. It rings up as thirty dollars even, which is pretty good I think.
A weird sense of normalcy sucker punches me when I dig my wallet out of my pocket, finally getting to do something on my own accord. Even if it’s just the simple act of paying for a gift for my boyfriend. After briefly forgetting my pin I wait anxiously, while Toro stands just as anxious next to me.
It’s accepted, the receipt comes out, and we’re sent on our way. Toro is clinging to me now, nuzzling his cheek against mine. “Thank you. Thank you, thank you.”
“Ah… It’s just a radio, Toro.” I mumble, cheeks all hot. “It made you happy, so…”
“You make me happy.” His voice is so low it’s almost a growl. “Happiest.”
It’s too hot for me to wanna get all bothered, so I just kiss him on the cheek and laugh softly. The box is tucked under one of his arms, his attention solely on me. Even now when he looks at me that way my heart skips a beat.
“Let’s go wait for Alma in the park. We can get home and see how that thing works.”
Of course Toro isn’t about to argue with me, just holding my hand extra tight as we walk to the park. It’s actually really nice, with a fountain in the center and a ton of benches. A few trees provide shade to it all, children running around thanks to the playground.
We approach one of the wood benches, but before I can sit down Toro grabs me and pulls me into his lap. His arms are wrapped around my body, the box resting in my lap. It’s sort of embarrassing to be so lovey-dovey in public, but I’m proud of him for being so open.
I’m more than content to sit there, happily basking in the sun like two lazy cats. An older looking woman passes by, with wispy white hair, soft blue eyes, and the cutest little outfit on. But that’s not what catches Toro’s attention.
It’s the little dog at her side, who immediately springs to life when it catches sight of my boyfriend. The little golden-brown creature races over to us, pressing its head against Toro’s leg.
“Betsy!” The woman cries, chasing after her dog. “I’m so sorry. She must really like y’all.”
Toro shifts so only one arm is wrapped around me, the other moving to affectionately pet the dog’s head. “...Cute.”
The motion of his hand is so slow, so delicate. Like he’s aware of the strength he holds, and knows he needs to be careful with such a little thing. I’m not the only one who notices, clearly.
“You’re real gentle,” the woman coos. “What a sweetie pie you are. Come on Betsy, leave the nice man and his girlfriend alone.”
We both freeze as the woman begins walking off, all happy and clueless to the fact she literally just blew my mind. What the hell does she mean, ‘girlfriend?’
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
I told Toro that this sweatshirt made me look like a girl, because I’m ninety-percent sure that’s where Lucio got it from. I just didn’t think anyone else would actually agree. Now I’m all embarrassed and hiding in his chest.
“Girlfriend,” Toro says before kissing the top of my head. “My girlfriend.”
“I’m not your girlfriend,” I mutter, voice muffled by his shirt. “I’m yourboyfriend.”
He lets out a dramatic ‘hm’ before chuckling. “Both. Girlfriendandboyfriend.”
“Toro.”
“Nico.”
God, he is such a brat. But he’s holding me so lovingly that I’ll allow it for now. It’s nice like this. Out in public, cuddling, not caring about anything. No cannibal patriarchs coming to throw not-so-subtle homophobic digs at me, and no Damiens coming to tell me lies about the man I love.
What thereishowever is a lot of children. Running around, screaming, probably playing tag. One little boy, no older than eight, zips right by us before falling flat on his face. Without thinking I push myself off of Toro and go to help him, but when he glances up at me he looks as though he’s about to scream.
It’s then I realize he’s not looking atme, he’s looking atToro. Glancing over my shoulder, my boyfriend is just standing there all awkwardly with a worried look on his face. Our eyes meet and he almost looks sad.
“Hey…” I awkwardly try to ease the boy, feeling awful when he looks at me so downheartedly. “It’s okay. Did you hurt your knee? Let me help you up.”
He takes my arm, rising up to his velcro-shoe wearing feet. With a sniffle he looks down at the scrapes on his knees, and I can’t help but feel for him. “It’ll be healed before you even know it.”
