Page 34 of A Different Form of Oxygen

She laughs. “Okay, okay, fine. I’m going but try not to let this Kyle guy get to you.”

I step behind the bar, grabbing a clean rag and begin wiping it down even though we haven’t had a single customer yet. Just knowing Kyle touched it was enough for me to consider it dirty. The nerve of him, coming in here thinking we could pick up things where we left off. I think back to the memories of Ben’s hands touching me and his insatiable lips pressing hard against mine. Why would I go back to being miserable when I have someone like Ben in my life who has brought me more happiness in such a short amount of time than Kyle ever has in all the time I’ve known him. My hand reaches for my phone from my back pocket. My fingers moving quickly against the keys.

Me:Hey Angel, miss you already. Would telling you I’m bored work today?

Ben:Hey Papi. Miss you too and I wish. I’m having lunch with Jen Jen and Case.

Me:It’s fine, beautiful boy, I’ll see you later.

Ben:Hopefully not too much later.

I smile, sliding my phone back in my pocket.My mood improved just like that from a few simple words from my angel.All I can focus on is how enjoyable every conversation I have with Ben is, even the short ones. Being around Ben is both exciting and terrifying. Exciting, because so far, he has been exactly what I want and need, but terrifying, because it could all be an act.