Page 24 of My Broken Mate

Nothing. Why? You wanna meet? I’m very available, just so you know.

Do you know the bar between the business district and the city park? I’m going to be there in an hour. What you make out of this is on you.

I put my phone away afterwards and get up. I don’t want to wait for his answer. Either he comes or he doesn’t. I cling to my hope that he does, because I need to get out of here one way or another, and I need an excuse to do so.

Closing the door behind me again, I put on my jacket and leave the building. Once outside, the fresh air hits me, making me feel a bit more alive again.

When I get to the bar, it’s almost empty, and I choose a place at the bar counter. For a moment, I feel like the biggest idiot ever for letting go of my cool the way I did. Joel will probably deem me weak now.

I’m still pondering about what the fuck got into me to do what I did when I can hear the door opening and Joel’s loud voice greeting me.

“You came?” I ask, shocked.

“Of course,” he beams. “Couldn’t let that chance slip away.”

We settle for our drinks before engaging in small talk. That is, until Joel finally asks the inevitable question.

“Why don’t you tell me what’s going on?” he offers. When I stay quiet, he smiles. “How about a secret for a secret? I will go first. Ask me anything.”

“How were your parents?”

Joel is surprised by my question, but nods firmly. “My parents both died during a rogue attack, but I think you know that already. Mom was a bit introverted as a person, but she was really kind. Dad was… he was a great father, but I don’t think he was a great man… to a woman.”

“How come?” I ask, surprised.

“No cheating,” he grins. “Now it’s my turn to ask. What do you like doing?”

I’m so shocked by his question that I can only stare at him. “What?”

“I want to know what you enjoy doing,” he says. “I mean, aside from looking hot and broody and all. Do you work out a lot to maintain that nice ass of yours?”

Despite myself, I have to snort. “I like hiking,” I say. “Something about just being out there in nature always sets my mind at ease. I like playing chess and mahjong. And I like to read.”

“Porn?” Joel asks.

“No, I like crime novels,” I chuckle.

“Pity. I thought it would be funny if you read some cringey erotica.”

“Why? Do you read them?”

“Is that your question?” he asks.

“Yes.”

He grins. “If anyone asks, they are my brother’s. I will lend you some. Currently reading some steamy pirate action.” He looks at me. “When did you know you were gay?”

“Ever since middle school,” I answer, surprising myself by how swiftly I answer him. I know he looked through me the moment we first met, just like I was able to look through him, too. There is no use in hiding it from him. Yet there is a difference between not hiding and actually talking about it.

“Did you ever tell anyone?” Joel wants to know.

I smile. “Stick to the rules, your rules if I may add. My question now.”

“Shoot, you got me.”

“So, why was your dad not a great man?”

“He sucked as a mate,” Joel admits. “Mom wasn’t his fated mate. He chose her because they were high school sweethearts. But he was never faithful.”