Page 97 of Hooked On Him

––––––––

Austin

“My best friend. My brother from another mother. My homie.” I greet Charlie when he walks into my apartment.

He narrows his eyes. “I’m not sure if I like the sound of your tone, Austin,” he says suspiciously.

‘What? Why not? Nothing's wrong. Nothing at all.”

“Oh boy.” He blows out a breath. “What did you do?”

“Why do you assume I did anything?” I mock gasp.

“Because it’s you.”

“Lies.” I huff. “I’m a good boy. Just ask your brother.” I wiggle my brows.

“Ew. I don’t wanna hear about what you and my brother do, or why he would be calling you a good boy.”

“It’s me who calls him a good boy, thank you very much.”

Charlie fake gags as he joins me on the couch.

“Ha ha.” I flip him off.

“So,” he says. “What has you calling me up to come over here?”

“Why do you sound like it’s something out of the blue?” I frown.

“Because for the past few months, it pretty much has been. We used to hang out and game here all the time, but we haven’t in like a month. But I know it’s because you're in a new relationship. I get it. It’s fun and exciting, and all you wanna do is be with the person. And seeing how that person is my brother, I was extra chill about it. But, I think the honeymoon phase needs to wrap up because I really need my best friend.”

Guilt hits me hard. “Fuck. I’m sorry, man. My head was so in the clouds that I didn’t even realize.”

“Like I said. I get it. I’m not mad. But don’t do it anymore.” He grins. Charlie jumps when Snicklefritz jumps into his lap. “What the...” he stares down at the cat. “Snicklefritz?” he looks at him in disbelief. Snicklefritz purrs, rubbing his head against Charlie’s chest. He blinks down at the cat, then up to me. “Ah, wanna tell me why my brother’s cat is at your place?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” I say nervously. “This is his apartment too.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Levi has been living with me this whole time since he moved out of the apartment.”

“What the fuck? Dude, you’ve been dating for two months and are already living together?”

“And that’s why we didn’t tell you.” I sigh. “I know it seems fast. But he needed a place to stay, and I had a room. It made sense.”

“Okay. True, but damn.” Charlie shakes his head. “You really must be serious about my brother.”

“I am. I’m madly in love with him. He means the world to me, and if I have it my way, he’s gonna be with me for the rest of our lives.”

“Damn.” Charlie blinks. “Well, shit. Huh. I’m happy for you both. Is that why you asked me over here? To tell me you two are living together?”

“No. I wanted to talk to you and let you know that technically Levi and I have only been officially dating since last night.”

“Huh?” Yeah, I’ve confused the man. Shit.

“So, the truth is, back at your sister's wedding, Cole set us up on a date. Levi had no idea it was with me, but I knew it was with him. The fact is, I’ve been in love with Levi since we were in high school. He was the first guy, really the only guy, I’ve ever been interested in. Us drifting apart the past few years has sucked, so when I got the chance to be with him in every way I dreamed about, I took it.”

“I’m so fucking confused. What do you mean you haven’t been dating until last night? You’ve been dating for two months.”