Page 13

FINN

“This coffee shop is adorbs!” Ollie gasped as Finn opened the door for him, ushering them inside. Over the last month they’d been meeting at Ollie’s house for takeout-laden vampire movie nights and it had quickly become a staple in their lives, something they looked forward to at the end of each work week. But this time Finn wanted to try something different - an afternoon date that required caffeine and a competitive spirit, and that might end with hopefully more than just making out on Ollie’s couch. All this time Finn had been nothing but gentlemanly but they were moving at a snail’s pace, and he was feeling very pent up, more than ready for the next stage.

Chances seemed high since Ollie had been warming up to Finn. Their weekly movie night included long conversations where they never seemed to tire of learning about each other, and each one seemed to strip away a layer of Ollie’s skittishness. But while Ollie looked happy, excited, and engaging, he also appeared tired, worn, and his appetite was poor, which nagged at Finn, making him feel like he was missing something big, something right under the surface.

It could be Ollie’s fear. Finn knew that Ollie was afraid of things, a lot of things, and once they were more established Finn planned to ask him about therapy. But, for now, he’d do some light digging and see if there was any way he could help.

Their first stop of the day was Vice and Virtue, a kitschy coffeehouse that Owen had highly recommended. Filled with the scent of roasted beans and freshly baked muffins, the place had snarky cross-stitched designs on the walls and pastel wicker furniture everywhere. Ollie seemed delighted, darting around from piece to piece after ordering a large coffee with a shot of espresso; Finn opted for a chai latte and a carrot cake muffin.

“Are you sure you don’t want something to eat?” Finn held his card out, waiting to pay.

“I’m fine. I had breakfast before you showed up but I am dying for some good coffee.” Ollie grinned at a needlepoint picture that said “I’m a bitch before my caffeine AND after.”

Their order only took a few minutes and soon they were back in Finn’s car again, heading south toward the next town.

“According to Owen, The Pointe is booking more and more and it’s all thanks to you.” Finn took a bite of his muffin, which Ollie had unwrapped and handed him, and it was so delicious he wanted to sing.

“Really?” Ollie sipped his coffee, surprise on his face.

“Yes! The hall’s social media is booming.”

“It’s doing all right.”

“Compared to what it was, I’ll stick with booming. Owen says they’re getting a ton of inquiries and tours because of that one popular video.”

“Oh right, the bride and groom leading the YMCA dance. That went viral.” Ollie smiled, eyes still on his coffee. “I’m glad it’s all working out. I really like that job.”

“It’s more than working out. You fit in like you’ve always been there.”

“Well, it does help that my friends and my boyfriend are…” Ollie froze, staring at Finn with wide eyes. In response, Finn put on his blinker and pulled into the next parking lot, stopping the car.

“What did you just say?” He turned to face Ollie, his heart beating fast.

“I said it does help that my…my…” Ollie turned an adorable shade of pink, biting his lip. It made Finn want to gather him up and kiss the hell out of him.

“Your boyfriend. You said boyfriend.” Finn insisted, unable to stop his ridiculous smile. Here he was hoping to take things further but he’d only been thinking physically; Ollie was ready to put a label on them.

“I guess I did,” Ollie breathed out. “But don’t get all-”

Finn rolled down the window. “I’m his boyfriend,” he yelled out to the street, overflowing with joy. Two women who were walking by jumped but one quickly recovered, giving them a thumbs up.

“Oh my god.” Covering his face, Ollie sank in his seat.

“What, are you embarrassed by your boyfriend?” Finn closed the window, batting his lashes at Ollie while lightly poking him in the side.

“No, no, no. Stop poking!” Ollie giggled, almost spilling his coffee as he tried to slink away in the limited space of the passenger seat. With his bright eyes, flushed cheeks, and jubilant expression he was every inch the Sunshine he’d been dubbed, and Finn was captivated once again.

“I’m going to store that information for later,” he declared, reaching out and grazing his fingertips along Ollie’s delicate wrist. “But right now I’m going to bask in the fact that you called me your boyfriend.” Grasping the hand he was touching, he turned it, placing a kiss in the center of the palm and taking in the scent of powder and lilies. Ollie let out a slow pleased breath and curled his fingers as if he wanted to hold onto the feel of Finn’s lips.

“And you’re okay with that?” Ollie’s tone was careful.

“More than okay. How about you?” Finn stared right into those light blue pools, seeing the caution but also the hesitant joy.

“I like it.” Ollie’s words were soft. “But I didn’t mean to spring it on you.”

Lifting Ollie’s hand even more, Finn placed a kiss on his fingertips. “You know what? The fact that you said it so casually means it’s something you’ve become used to. That you’ve been thinking of me as your boyfriend for a little while now, and I’m perfectly fine with that.”

“Good.” Ollie worried his lip but then steeled himself. “I like you, Finn.”

Even though their date had just started, that simple declaration already made it a success. Ollie was still hesitant and careful so this much vulnerability was a win, making Finn fall even more head over heels.

“Guess what? I like you too.” Finn played with one of Ollie’s golden curls, spinning it around his finger. “So how about your boyfriend finishes the drive to the tennis court? Then you can play tennis with your boyfriend. Maybe your boyfriend will even buy you a smoothie afterward. Me. Finn. Your boyfriend.”

Ollie let out a peal of laughter, shaking his head. “I can’t wait to kick your ass on the court.”

Ollie didn’t make idle threats, for he was incredible at tennis.

Their second stop was Match Makers, an indoor tennis facility a short drive away. Finn had rented a hard court for two hours, along with a ball machine, and after a short warm-up they started a friendly game that soon turned into a dogfight.

Finn had power, which was great for his serves and returns, but Ollie had speed and placement. He reached balls at a pace that seemed to break the laws of physics and he kept making Finn run back and forth across the court, laughing as he huffed and puffed.

“You need better footwork, old man,” Ollie taunted as Finn dove for a ball that came in at a wicked angle and missed.

“You need to respect your elders.” Wiping the sweat from his forehead with his wristband, Finn headed to the bench and took a long drink from his water bottle. A few seconds later Ollie joined him. “Exactly where did you learn to play like this?”

“From my dad. He took us all out every weekend. Only Sophie and I stayed with it, but I’m a little rusty, I haven’t been on the court in a while.”

“If that’s what you call rusty then you should tour with the pro circuit.” Finn raised an eyebrow.

“Always with the flattery.” Ollie stood on his toes, giving Finn a peck on his cheek. “I was on the high school team but they didn’t use me much.”

“Then they wasted you.”

“I think you bring out my competitive spirit.” Ollie tossed his racket from one hand to the other. “Did you do any sports in high school?”

“Naw.” Finn grabbed a few yellow balls from the waiting machine, stuffing them in his pockets. “I had two after-school jobs and played bass in a band.” There was a time when Finn wanted to be just like his uncle but unfortunately, he lacked musical talent. He had excellent taste in music but no ability to play it.

“Really? What was it called?”

“Death Beverage.” Finn didn’t know how he said it with a straight face but Ollie exploded into giggles so loud that the players in the next court glanced over.

“What? How did you even come up with that?” He clamped his hands over his mouth so his laughter would stop echoing.

“Our lead singer kept drinking this home brew that his dad created and it wasn’t good. Always made him sick. He used to call it the death beverage and it stuck. We played a few school talent shows, some open night mics, and we even did a house party, but once we graduated the band broke up.” Marci was right, Finn had been part of a garage band, but he would never tell her that.

Ollie dropped his hands, most of his mirth in check. “Do you have any pictures?”

“I think my uncle does. And he probably has video too. I’ll show you one day.”

“I’d love to see it. Oh, that reminds me!” Ollie fished around in his tennis bag, pulling out his phone. Tapping it a few times, he used the front camera to check himself. “Am I sweaty?” he asked, blinking his large forget-me-not eyes at Finn.

“No. You’re adorable.” It was true. Ollie didn’t look like he’d been playing tennis for the last hour, he looked like he was ready to model athletic wear. His tennis set was all white with purple seams and edges, the T-shirt loose, flowy, and the shorts long enough to brush the tops of his knees. Matching purple wristbands were his accessories, along with a headband that held his curls back perfectly. There wasn’t a hint of perspiration on his smooth skin and Finn couldn’t tell if Ollie was wearing makeup but his eyes seemed wider, his lashes long, and when he blushed at Finn’s compliment, his red cheeks seemed to glow.

“Stahp.” Giving his hair a quick fluff, he winked at Finn, pressed the red button at the bottom of the screen, and transformed. Gone was anxious and hesitant Ollie, and in his place stood a glowing and confident man who smiled brightly as he stared into his phone, talking to it like he was entertaining a dear friend.

“Hello lovelies, Olleelicious here. Today I’m tearing up the tennis court with one of the members of Death Beverage, grrr.” Ollie growled the band name, curling his free hand like a claw and Finn was sure his laugh got picked up on camera. “Today’s outfit is another banger from Hella Kewt and you can get it from their site, just remember to use my code for five percent off! And if you’re ever in the area and want to hit a tennis ball please check out Match Makers because this place is wonderful. Smooches all around and remember - Olleelicious says you’re beautiful!” He blew a kiss at the screen and then stopped the recording.

“Olleelicious?” Finn gave him a sardonic grin.

“Yeah…” Ollie’s thumbs flew over the keys adding text and filters before he finished up, pressing a button on the bottom right. “Now you know my username so you can stalk me if you want.”

“I might because you’re a natural at that. I’m sure people adore you,” Finn thought that the whole thing was cute as fuck. Ollie had a certain presence; it was nice to see this side of him.

“They do.” Sidling over to him, Ollie showed Finn his Instagram profile.

“Holy shit.” Finn blinked. “Is that number real? I thought only celebrities had that many followers.”

“It’s real, and famous people have a much higher number than that.” Ollie swiped that app away, opening another one that had stats equally as impressive. “I just do Lives and video on this account.”

Scanning the page, Finn hit one of the posts with his index finger, his brain going offline as he stared at Ollie’s beautifully made-up face. With blue and white sparkly eyeshadow trailing to his temples and huge eyelashes, he looked ethereal. And he was giving the camera come-hither looks that made Finn want to jump through the screen. “How are you real?” he murmured.

“What?” Ollie gave him an odd look.

“You’re dazzling.” Finn tore his gaze away, staring at the real Ollie. Putting his hand on the back of that slender neck, Finn pulled him in closer. “I see why everyone likes you so much. You do amazing makeup and talk to your fans as if they’re your friends.”

“I…um…thank you?” Ollie stammered, that odd expression melting, replaced with a careful smile. But there was heat in his eyes and Finn grabbed onto it, pressing a lingering kiss to Ollie’s lips, hoping to make that smile less careful and more carefree.

Once they parted, Ollie kept his eyes closed for a few seconds and Finn took that as a good sign. When he opened them, he glanced at his phone. “Could we take a few pictures? I don’t have any of us, which is ridiculous because I take pics of everything.”

“Of course.” Finn leaned in and Ollie snapped selfies at several angles, immediately going through them and picking one, setting it as a lock screen, and sending it to Finn.

“I won’t post these. They’re for me.” Ollie looked deliciously shy again and Finn wanted to kiss him senseless but they’d paid for tennis, so he gave Ollie a quick peck and strode back onto the court.

They played a second set, which Ollie easily won, before bringing out the ball machine. Ollie did forehands first, and then a few backhand slices that made Finn whistle low. After that, Finn practiced backhands while Ollie stood off to the side, watching with his hands on his hips. It only took a few tries for Ollie to start shaking his head.

“No, no, no.” He strode forward, taking Finn’s spot so he could use the machine. “When the ball comes at you, you want to face the side and do a quick split step in that direction.” His feet moved swiftly into place. “Then you want to twist back at the shoulder. Remember to keep your eye on the ball…” A ball spat out of the machine, coming at him. “Twist back like this and connect.” He hit the backhand perfectly. It grazed the net, clearing the court and bouncing near the baseline. “Here, I’ll show you a few more times and then you take over.”

Finn scrutinized Ollie’s form for the next three turns and then stepped up to the following ball. The first one he missed. The second one he hit into the net.

“Let me show you,” Ollie put his arms around him, pressing against his back and holding onto his forearms, and Finn froze. He should focus on the shot, not Ollie touching him, but he knew that was a hopeless endeavor.

“Um…” Finn tried to find a word. Ollie giggled.

“Don’t be a pervert. You need help with your grip.” Ollie vibrated with repressed laughter.

“My grip, huh?”

“Just hit the ball.” One came soaring at them and Finn did the best thing he could do, he went languid and allowed Ollie to lead. That resulted in Finn hitting the cleanest backhand of his life.

“Wow. You really know what you’re doing,” Finn marveled. “You’re a man of many talents.”

Ollie pressed his forehead into Finn’s back and somehow Finn could tell that he was smiling. “Let’s do a few more.”

They clung together long after Finn figured out the stance and swing but he wasn’t going to complain. Ollie’s body against his own was like heaven but eventually he turned his head, looking over his shoulder. “If we keep doing this we’re going to get thrown out.”

“Why would we get thrown out?” Ollie teased and Finn shoved his butt back, giving it a quick grind which caused Ollie to bark out a laugh.

“Okay, okay. I guess you should try a few on your own.” He let go and Finn’s back immediately felt cold, but he was determined. He wanted to retain the lesson, and he was successful, for he hit the next ball over the net as well as the four that followed.

“Awesome! You’re a great student,” Ollie cheered from the side. Then he blinked, shook his head, and stumbled a little.

“Ollie!” Finn was next to him in an instant, putting an arm around him and Ollie took a deep breath, shaking his head again, trying to steady himself.

“I’m fine. Sorry, I guess I used up too much energy.” He seemed embarrassed and a little afraid, so Finn rubbed his back, trying to soothe. It was a little bony under his palm, the vertebrae somewhat prominent.

“How about we sit down?” With one arm around Ollie’s waist and another holding his elbow, Finn guided him back to the bench.

“Really. I’m fine. I’m sorry-”

“Why are you apologizing?” Finn sat next to him, rifling through his bag. “Now, I know you only had breakfast and coffee so how about we fuel for a bit? Would you like the rest of my muffin? Or one of the granola bars I brought?” Finn pulled three out, holding them in one hand while he grabbed the bag with the muffin in his other, giving it a quick shake.

It should have been a simple choice. But Ollie looked like he was being cross-examined in court. He tried to hide it but his discomfort was palpable. “Can I see the granola bars?”

“Sure.” Finn handed them over, hoping that he was acting normal because his mind was racing. Was food the problem? Did Ollie have food issues?

He watched as Ollie carefully read the labels. Absently, he twirled a curl around his finger, the movement causing his T-shirt to hang low, close to slipping off his shoulder, and the sharp collarbone it revealed was like a slap to the face. Suddenly, the facts in Finn’s brain reshuffled and they began to make sense.

Ollie was thin. He’d lost weight since they met and even more over the last few weeks. He always assured Finn that he’d eaten earlier or was stuffed from a previous meal, and when Ollie actually did eat, it was minimal. He consistently ordered the healthiest, most unfun item off the menu and left more than half his plate; plus, he exercised a lot more than the average person. And this was the third time that he’d gotten dizzy or passed out in Finn’s presence.

The thing he sensed below the surface? It was coming up for air. Showing Finn exactly what was making Ollie so tired and harried. He wasn’t eating. But why?

“I’ll take this one.” Ollie selected the green-wrapped granola bar, which was the smallest, and tried to hand the other two back.

“You can have all of them.” Finn waved him off, digging through the bag. “I still have my muffin.”

“…thanks.” Ollie placed the extra bars on the seat next to him and opened the chosen one, taking a tiny bite. As he chewed, his eyes shifted to Finn’s. “Let me see how I feel after this. I want to save my appetite for dinner.”

That only increased Finn’s unease but he couldn’t let it show, not right now, not until he had more facts. “All right.” Keeping his tone light, he shifted his gaze away, knowing exactly who he needed to talk to.

“She’s a beauty.” Finn’s voice bounced around the inside of The Pointe’s new shuttle bus. The vehicle was big enough for fourteen people, sporting faux leather seats that appeared high-end but were also easy to clean. Up front sat a top-notch stereo system as well as a comfortable driving chair that Finn was currently testing, and the exterior had been painted white, with “Love is The Pointe of Life” spelled out in gold lettering on each side, layered over a silhouette of the wedding hall.

“I’m very happy with everything, especially the logo.” Standing toward the back, Owen glanced around and nodded his head, satisfied. “And I’ll be even more happy when she’s done because I’ve sold some packages for next month that include this bus.”

“Don’t worry, Opie, she’ll be ready before that.” Finn gave him a thumbs-up, for only a few small tweaks were needed before he could truly call himself the shuttle driver.

“This is the prettiest wedding van I’ve ever seen!” Liam climbed the few stairs to the inside, eyes bright and cheeks flushed with joy, still glowing from the email he’d gotten earlier. In his excitement, he’d rushed over to The Pointe to squeal and hug everyone and had ended up tagging along with Owen and Finn once the excitement had died down.

“Congratulations again, Liam.” Finn gave him a high five.

“Thanks. I still can’t believe I got accepted to college!” Hitting the offered palm with an audible slap, he sat in one of the seats, giving it a test bounce.

“Don’t be surprised. I knew it was a sure thing.” Owen moved to the front of the bus. “Why wouldn’t they take you? You’re smart, ambitious, and hard-working. They know a prize student when they see one.”

“Owen…” The tops of Liam’s cheeks turned pink and Owen scooped him up, becoming Liam’s new seat as he placed Liam on his lap, wrapping his arms around him and putting his chin on Liam’s shoulder. As usual, they were being disgustingly cute but it no longer twinged Finn’s heart, for Ollie had destroyed the sting of loneliness. Now, all he wanted was Ollie in his lap, just like that.

“So, when’s the double date?” Owen winked at Finn as Liam burst out laughing.

“No.” Finn pointed at each of them. “Leave us out of your twisted games.”

Liam gasped for air between giggles. “I think Ollie might like a double date.”

“Give us a little room to breathe, huh? I’ll consider it once we make it to three months.”

Calming down, Liam tilted his head with a genuine smile. “Just so you know, Ollie seems happier.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Finn stated.

Owen’s cell phone rang; shifting to the side, he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen.

“It’s a bride. Sorry, Angel. I have to take this.” Dislodging Liam, Owen got up, gave him a quick kiss, and left the bus.

Realizing that they were alone together, Finn wanted to ask about Ollie, for Liam might have some insight. However, Finn didn’t know if he’d be overstepping. Ollie had been shaken after his dizzy spell at the tennis court and while Finn had tried to keep the mood up the rest of the date had been stilted, his worries interfering.

All he had was concern, but when coupled with his feelings for Ollie? He had to take the chance.

“I have a question.” Finn took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “But it’s about Ollie.”

“Oh.” Liam’s brows pinched together but his eyes held more. “You know, now I kind of understand what it was like for you when I started dating Owen.”

“What?” It took a moment for Liam’s statement to sink in. “Oh, because I’m dating your best friend now.”

“Yes, and I would give you the please don’t hurt him speech too, but if you’re asking what I think you’re asking, then I don’t need to. Because you’re already proving that you care.”

“I do. And I won’t hurt him, I couldn’t,” Finn replied fervently.

“I know.” Liam’s nod held certainty and he gestured, encouraging Finn to ask his question.

“Okay…” Finn had to force himself to spit it out. “Does Ollie ever eat around you?”

Liam’s face held no surprise, which was telling. “When we go out to lunch on our shopping days and he orders something…” He drifted off, biting his lip, but this was a serious issue, making Finn push.

“Does he eat it?”

“Not uh…not a lot of it, no.” Liam folded his hands together tightly and his expression mirrored Finn’s unease. “Is there something wrong with him? I know he lost weight on purpose but I thought he’d stop. Eventually.”

“So, you think it’s a weight thing? Not a stomach issue or an allergy?” Finn cracked his neck, trying to relieve the tightness in his shoulders.

“He hasn’t mentioned anything like that but you’d have to ask him. I’m afraid that if I talk to him about it, he’ll wall me out.” Liam frowned. “You’re worried about him too.”

“A little.” Finn’s concern started to morph into something solid, more fundamental. “I know I do need to talk to him but I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.”

“Whatever you find out, please let me know if I can help?” He looked up at Finn, worry in his eyes.

Finn hoped he was wrong, that he was overreacting. But if he wasn’t, then Ollie could use all the help he could get. “I absolutely will.”