Page 31 of Dibs
Gage went to the fridge and pulled out two cans of Coors. “Want one?”
“Sure, but you know I won’t let you drive home if you have another one after that.” I opened the cellophane wrapper of the popcorn and stuck the bag into the microwave.
“I’m sure after a two-hour movie, I’ll be fine.”
“Okay.” I reached for the cabinet door to grab the popcorn bowls just as Gage took a step in my direction. We were inches from each other; my gaze moved instantly to his lips.
He retreated and looked down at the floor. “For what it’s worth, I remember more of that night too.”
“Dad! Hurry. The movie is starting,” Cammie screamed from the living room, causing Gage and I to step farther away from each other.
“Press pause. We have four bags of popcorn to pop!” I called back.
Gage cleared his throat. “Next Friday you don’t have the kids, right?”
My heart felt as though it had stopped in my chest as I anticipated where he was going with the question. “Yeah, why?”
“I have another gig. You should come.”
“All right. Text me the details.”
I went to the freezer and pulled out a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream. “Still your favorite?”
Gage grinned. “Hell, yeah.”
* * *
My nerves were runningwild as I took a rideshare to the bar Gage texted me for his show. Nothing else was said on Sunday after the declaration in my kitchen. We’d finished getting the popcorn, fruit snacks, ice cream, and juice, watched the movie and then he headed home.
Throughout the movie, there were stolen glances, but nothing else. Would we finally deal with the giant elephant in the room after his gig?
Before going up to the bar and ordering a drink, I made my way through the establishment, looking for the men’s room. As I grabbed the door, someone on the other side pushed it open.
“Sorry,” I muttered and took a step back, only to realize it was Gage.
“You made it.” He beamed.
“Of course. Looking forward to watching you play again.” Though I knew his hands and tattoos were going to continue to replay in my head after the refresher.
“Good.” He grinned.
My gaze went to his mouth and then back up to his eyes. His eyes did the same, and he licked his lips and my stomach dropped to the floor. What the fuck was going on with me? Why was I thinking about kissing him? Why was I turned on by it?
“Let’s go!” someone shouted down the hall, breaking the moment.
“I’ll find you after the show,” Gage said.
“Cool,” I breathed.
He walked around me and I finally stepped into the restroom, did my business, washed my hands, and sauntered up to the bar. After ordering an IPA, I found a seat near the tiny stage. The place was almost packed, and I wasn’t sure if it was because of California Thunder or because it was a Friday night. Whatever the case, I had a good view.
It didn’t take long for the show to start. I sat there staring as, once again, I was fixated on Gage’s arms and hands as he worked the guitar expertly. I knew what I needed to do; I needed to find out if my reaction to my former roommate was because of the man himself or because of some underlying part of my sexuality I had never entertained.
After the hour-long set, I waited at the small table for Gage since he’d told me he’d come to me when he was done. As I was scrolling through news articles on my phone, I felt someone come up behind me. Before I could turn around, he leaned in close to my ear and whispered, “Let’s get out of here.”
10
GAGE
