Page 16 of Sinful Nights
“You and your damn rom-coms. Whatever you want is fine with me. I’ll grab the blankets.”
Cole and I separate, with him heading into the kitchen to grab some snacks and drinks, and me going to my room to grab a couple of throw blankets. Before grabbing them, I quickly change out of my clothes, tossing on some sweats and forgoing a T-shirt. Once I’m changed, I take the blankets and place them onto the couch before going into the kitchen to help with the snacks and drinks so Cole can change his own clothes.
We both take our spots on the couch, a bowl of candy in each of our laps and two water bottles sitting on the coffee table. I let Cole pick a movie that he wants to watch because I honestly don’t care what’s on the television as long as I get to spend more time with him. It isn’t long before the candy bowls are on the table and Cole and I are lying on the couch. Cole twitches in my arms, and I realize he’s fallen asleep. Not wanting to wake himup, I grab the remote and put on another movie. Cole snores softly on my chest, and it isn’t long before I’m joining him.
“Need a spot?” Jensen asks, coming up to me as I reach the weights.
“Hey man,” I fist-bump him, then continue adding more weights to the bar. Knowing Jensen works out here has been so damn helpful, and it’s made my workouts so much easier having a spotter. I always hate asking random people to spot me in the gym, so having a buddy to come with me most days has been great. Plus, Jensen is a great guy to talk to. We might have a decade’s age difference between us, but we have a shit ton in common. Working out aside, we both watch the same movies, we both like riding motorcycles, and we both like to draw.
While I don’t draw as much as I used to, it’s still something that I do every so often when the mood strikes. Talking about it with Jensen lately has me wanting to get back into it and draw some more. It’s just finding the time to do it that’s been hard.
I had a motorcycle when I first turned sixteen, but once the bills piled up and I realized I needed a more reliable vehicle, I traded it in for a car. I know the car I picked isn’t the most sensible, but it’s been a lot better for those days when it’s raining. However, I still miss it. I’m going to try to convince Jensen to let me take his for a spin one day. I doubt he’ll say no.
“How has work been?” I ask, lying down on the bench and putting the bar to my chest. While continuing to talk, I lift the bar. “I’ve been meaning to ask, does your job have any openings? I’m trying to figure out my next move,” I strain on the last word, my arms already feeling jelly from pushing the bar. Maybe Ishouldn’t be trying to have a conversation while lifting heavy as hell weights.
Jensen grabs hold of the rod, putting it back into place. “I can definitely check. Send me your resume, and I’ll see what we’ve got and if I can get you an interview for something.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
Our conversation dies down while we keep working out. Trying to hold a conversation while we’re both sweaty, aching messes doesn’t really work too well. It isn’t long before we’re both in the sauna trying to cool down, or technically heat up from our workouts.
“Do you go to Peaches every night?” he asks, grabbing a small towel and wiping his face.
“No, only on the nights that Cole is working. I love being his hype person. That way he knows there’s at least one person in the crowd who’s excited to see what he can do on the stage.” Which is why I hated the few nights I wasn’t able to go. He deserves to have one person constantly in his corner, supporting his every move.
“From the few times I’ve gone, he’s been really good. Able to get the crowd’s attention. Lennox raves about him all the time, says he’s an amazing dancer and always has these great ideas.”
“Yeah, he’s been trying to get better and think of new things that haven’t been done.” My mind replays all the mornings that I’ll walk out into the living room and see Cole dancing around trying to make up choreography. He’ll sit with his headphones on, watching hundreds of videos on YouTube, trying to find new things he can incorporate. It’s amazing to watch the little snippet he does in the living room blossom into a spectacular dance on the stage in front of so many strangers.
“I don’t go as much as I would like. Maybe I should, though. I love how supportive you are of Cole. I hope this doesn’t soundstrange, but when I first met you, I thought you two were dating. I kept referring to you both as boyfriends for the longest time.”
“Ah,” I chuckle, smiling at him. “A lot of people think that. I’m not too sure why, though.”
“You’re not sure why people think you two are dating?” He stares at me wide-eyed as though I’m missing some giant clue.
“No? Am I missing something?”
“No, sorry. It’s just that you two do a lot of things that couples do.”
“Like?”
“Hold hands, kiss each other on the forehead, always stay around one another.” His face twists as though he’s confused. Which I get. Cole and I have always been touchy-feely with one another. It’s just who we are.
“Isn’t that what best friends are supposed to do? Be loving and caring and a safe space for one another.” I ask, bewildered. Cole has always been my person, and there’s a reason I’m always wanting to be around him. He’s my safe space; he’s the one person I can be myself with and not have to worry about what they think of me. I can show him all the ragged, broken pieces of me, and he never judges. He sees me for who I am, and I do the same for him.
“You’re right. And I love that you’re so supportive of him. He’s lucky to have you. By the way, have you ever read their group chat? The things that are said in there.”
Laughing, I nod my head, letting him change the subject. “Hell yes, I’ve read them. They’re hilarious and very dirty, and I keep asking Cole to add me to the chat so I can join in.”
“I swear I’m hearing those notifications go off at all times of the day and night, and then I’ll hear Lennox giggle. My curiosity was piqued the first couple of times, and then after that I was like, ‘I’m good not knowing.’”
“I still like hearing what they’re talking about. It makes me laugh so hard sometimes. They’re ridiculous, but I’m glad Cole has them now. Speaking of which, I’m about to head out and go home. Same time tomorrow?”
“Hell yeah, man. I’ll be here.”
Our lives have changed so much since Cole started working at Peaches, and for the better. It’s always been the two of us against the world; the only people we could count on were one another. But ever since we’ve met the Peaches crew, our world has expanded to include more people. Cole, of course, has made great new friends, but after hanging out with Jensen and getting to know him better, I’m realizing how much they have also included me in their little circle.
9
