Page 39 of Tech Bros

“It’s just that I started seeing someone, and I wanted you to know because I’m hoping he might be coming by from time to time. Or not. I’m not sure, but in case, I wanted to make sure you weren’t surprised.”

His lips part, and his eyelids flutter. He’s got very blue eyes. Lighter than mine by a lot. Since his mouth is halfway open, I wait for him to say something, but he doesn’t.

So I say more. “It’s new. It was kind of a blind date. Ended up being with Isaac Sullivan.”

Evan startles, and a few seconds pass before a word comes out. “What?”

“Yeah,” I say. “Small world, I guess.”

“YouandIsaac? You’ve been seeing Isaac?Youwere his date Friday night?”

I cock my head to look at him. “You know about that?”

Evan sits back in his chair and breaks eye contact, which is a relief. There’s only so much eye contact I can do.

“Oh my God,” he whispers.

“That was all,” I say in case he was expecting more.

He looks at me again and stares at me for so long, I end up looking down at my menu so I don’t have to stare back.

“I need a minute.” Abruptly, Evan walks away from the table. I expect him to head for the back toward the restrooms, but he’s going in the direction of the front door.

I scowl after him as he leaves the restaurant. The last thing I notice is him pulling his phone out of his pocket.

He must have gotten a call.

I have an idea what Evan likes to eat, so when the waitress stops by, and he hasn’t returned, I order a few appetizers that look interesting. I also get him a light beer and a glass of water.

It’s more than fifteen minutes before he comes back in. He stares at the table a moment where the drinks and a bowl of pita and hummus are waiting before taking his seat.

I glance at his expression. His eyelids are pink. His already too blue eyes are almost transparently light. His cheeks are red, too, and I wonder if it got colder while he was outside.

“Sorry about that,” he says. “I didn’t realize you were dating or…fuck I wasn’t sure you were even gay.”

“I am.”

“Yeah.” He stares hard at his menu. His hands are under the table, not reaching for the food or his drink. “So…this started last Friday, I’m guessing?”

“How’d you know?”

“I manage his entire schedule. He was nervous about the date. He almost didn’t go. I guess he’s glad he did.”

“I am,” I say.

Evan sucks in a breath and nods. “Sorry, I’m just—this wasn’t at all what I was expecting.”

“Are you upset?” I ask.

“I’m—” He shakes his head like he’s trying to clear it. “So you like him?”

“Yeah. He’s great.”

“And you think he might want to come by the apartment sometime? To see you?”

I frown. “Only if you’d be okay with it.”

“Does he know we live together? Because I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned that to him.”