Page 70 of Beautiful Trauma
I looked down at the platinum ID bracelet with my name etched in red on one side and my HIV status on the other. Ezra had given it to me, and I recalled the adoration in his eyes when he secured the clasp before running his finger over my name. Heart thundering in my chest, I dreaded the reaction when I answered Professor Stone’s question. I wasn’t ashamed; I just didn’t want him making trouble for Ezra and me.
“I’m hot trauma is what I am.”
“You’re beautiful trauma, baby.”
I let Ezra’s convictions wash over me and chase away the fear. “No, sir, it’s to let first responders know I’m HIV positive in case of an emergency.” Another thread snapped and the anvil swayed.
I had to give credit where it was due. He could’ve said many things, any number of them derogatory, but he didn’t. He nodded and said, “That’s very wise.”
“Thank you,” I replied, unsure what else the situation called for.
“I’m just about ready to wrap up my workday, so you can too,” Professor Stone said. “Will I see you at the dinner tomorrow night? You did get your invitation, right?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you. I’ll be there.” I had wanted to decline the invitation, but Ezra wouldn’t hear it.
Pres rose from his chair and nodded curtly. “I’ll see you then.”
I don’t know what made me do it, but before Professor Stone could reach the door, I blurted out, “How did you know?”
Professor Stone stiffened and turned slowly. I didn’t need to be more specific; he knew what I meant. “When I ran into you on the sidewalk down the street from Ezra’s, I knew I was looking at a guy who was experiencing the blush of early love. Not paying attention to where he was going and smiling down at his phone like it held the world’s best treasures. I didn’t know it was Ezra’s condo building you were heading to that night. Running into you was just a coincidence, if you believe in them.” I wasn’t sure I did. “Anyway, I saw you step off the elevator the following Monday evening, but you were too miserable to see me. I didn’t know you belonged to Ezra then either until you overheard the conversation between the old guy and me and hid behind the plant to eavesdrop.” And I thought I’d been so savvy. My face heated with humiliation. “I could see your reflection in the glass panels of the framed artwork behind the concierge desk.”
“His name is George; he’s not just some old guy,” I said.
“I won’t lie to you, Henry. I had every intention of capitalizing on whatever mistake you’d made. I whistled happily riding up in the elevator, knowing I was finally getting my chance. Then Ezra opened his door looking as miserable as you did. He refused to let me in, declined coming out for another drink, and said something about making a grand gesture to make up for epic fuckery. I had no idea what the hell he was talking about, but I knew I had no chance with him that night.”
“Then you met me on Tuesday and realized how Ezra and I met.”
“I—” Professor Stone released a frustrated sigh and ran his hand through his immaculately styled hair. “It doesn’t matter what Ithink, but Iknowthis: if you fuck him over in any way, I promise you’ll regret it.”
Professor Stone looked like he was carved out of stone right then. I’d call him Mount Determination if we were on friendly terms, but we weren’t and most likely would never be. “I hear you.”
“See you tomorrow night. I assume you have a suit to wear?” he asked, raking his eyes over my body.
“Several,” I replied calmly.
He gave me a curt nod and left. I collapsed back down in my chair and laid my head against the cool surface of my small desk in the corner of his office. It was the first easy breath I’d taken all day. It was Friday; movie night. I refused to allow work stress to come between Ezra and me. I pulled out a protein bar and a bottle of water from my backpack to tide me over until dinner then finished up my tasks. I had places to be and people to love.
Ezra was in the kitchen smashing potatoes in a larger serving bowl when I arrived at his condo. “Hello, Henry.”Damn.How could two words make me want to rip my clothes off?
“Hello, Ezra. Something smells delicious,” I said, sniffing the air appreciatively. “What is that?”
“Meatloaf,” Ezra said excitedly. “It’s my favorite comfort food.”
“I think it could become mine too.”
“This is my mom’s recipe. She’s played around and updated many of her recipes over the years, but this one has always stayed the same.” Ezra set the potato masher aside and opened the oven. “Perfect.” He slid on two oven mitts then pulled the glass baking dish out of the oven and set it on the marble counter.
“Wow. That looks as good as it smells. I’ve never eaten meatloaf with melted cheese on top.”
“Then you haven’t really lived,” Ezra said, dropping the oven mitts. He pulled me to him for a kiss. “Welcome home, baby.”
It wasn’t the first time Ezra had referred to his condo as my home, and it never failed to send thrilling shivers down my spine. It made me crave things with him—a shared home and life where hiding our love was no longer necessary and no one could pull us apart.Maybe someday, my heart whispered.
“Did you have a good day?” I asked.
“I had a great day,” Ezra replied happily. “What about you? Didyouhave a good day?”
I could tell him about the conversation I had with Pres, but it would only make him mad. Well, he might laugh about my ridiculous attempt to hide behind the big plotted plant, but he would find no humor in Pres’s warning. I noticed Ezra nibbling on his bottom lip, which was a rare sign of nervousness from him.