As I was walking back to my apartment from the gym, I couldn't help but replay the scene that had transpired in the shower over and over again. His behavior made no sense. Hadn't he been cold and threatening to me just the week before? Did it matter? I had a hard time convincing myself that it did, but the way my body responded towards his touches totally betrayed everything I was thinking.
Finally back at my apartment, I forced myself to shove those thoughts out of mind. I had more important things to occupy my brain space. I actually lucked out in finding such a great apartment in such a short amount of time. There was a giant main living room that had a very modern look to it. Too bad it was filled with my old college furniture...The kitchen though, was my baby. The floors were hardwood in a deep mahogany color. The counters were a great tan granite color and all the appliances were stainless steel and all top of the line. I had allotted most of my money to the kitchen. Here is where I felt at home. Maybe it's the way cooking makes me feel. Everything in the lab is so controlled and precise. No room for error or improvising. Here, I can tweak things to my exact liking and make rash decisions about what to throw in the mix. As a result, I turned out to be a really good cook.
There were two bedrooms, one I had turned into an office, and the other was mine, of course. I had a giant king size bed (another thing I spent a lot of money on). The bed was covered in Egyptian cotton white sheets and a huge warm, but light as a cloud, white duvet. I had always wanted an all white bed growing up, and now I finally had it. The walls I had painted a chocolate brown color and had touches of sea foam and gold accents throughout the room. Other than the kitchen, this room was my escape.
I decided to take another shower. Considering how the last one ended up, I needed to just cleanse myself. I stood under the hot water for God knows how long when my peace was interrupted by my phone. I ignored it, but it just started to ring again.
I cursed silently to myself as I stepped out from the warmth of the hot water and steam into the colder air of my room.
"What?" I said into my phone a little more harshly than I intended to.
"Geez, SOMEONE is in a mood. Anyway I just wanted to call and tell you that I have to push dinner back an hour....I am stuck in the lab waiting for these plates to finish up." Ellen replied.
"That's fine. I've been there before. See you soon."
"Bye dear!"
Looking at the clock I was thankful she called, because if not, I would not have made it on time. How long had I been in the shower? At least now I had time to get ready. I decided on a pair of dark wash jeans that were a bit on the skinny side, but not too tight, and a cobalt blue button up shirt and black shoes. After spending way too much time on my hair trying to get it to look less like I had just gotten out of bed, I gave up. I mumbled angrily to myself about just cutting it short as I put in into a small ponytail.
As I reached the restaurant, I saw Ellen waving at me like a teenage girl. I chuckled to myself and thought how in the world was she so happy and peppy all the time.
Having never eaten at this café before, I wasn't too sure what to order, but as it turned out, I don't think it would have mattered. Everything was delicious.
The waitress we had was probably around my age or so and was quite pretty. She had strawberry blonde hair and sky blue eyes. She was a little on the taller end for most girls but she had very distinct curves. Any one, male or female, could clearly see how pretty she was.
"And what can I get for a handsome gentlemen such as yourself tonight?" she said in a tone that almost implied something other than taking my food order.
"I'll have the Herb Crusted Salmon with the marinated vegetables. And a sweet tea."
She giggled a little and said "Obviously you are from the south judging by that accent, but I am so sorry, we don't have sweet tea. I can bring you unsweet and there is some sugar on the table if you wish."
Mentally crying on the inside about not being able to have my sweet tea fix, I mumbled "Water is fine."
She took Ellen's order, winked at me, then left.
Still depressed about the sweet tea it took me a few seconds to see Ellen smirking at me.
"What?"
"She likeeeedddd you." She sang.
"Huh."
"Huh? Huh? She was gorgeous. Could you not tell? How out of it are....oh!"
I mentally cringed at what was about to come. Now I have never been one to be embarrassed about being gay or anything, but I didn't announce it to the world. If I was asked, I would answer honestly. And a few times in the past, it has led to some issues.
"Or maybe you didn't notice because she doesn't have the right equipment."
I nearly choked on my drink.
"Oh sweetie that's wonderful! Don't worry about anything. I won't tell anyone of you don't wish me too, Ben. And I will still love you all the same."
I managed to mumble out a small "Thanks".
