28

Chapter 28

"Wait... are they gonna kiss?" I muttered to myself as I flipped through the pages of the book Edith recommended. I had started reading blindly, not knowing what it was about, but I definitely wasn't expecting it to be a romance between two men.

"And they did kiss," I said aloud, confirming my suspicion. I couldn't help but wonder if Edith had suggested it as a playful joke since it was about a boss falling for his executive assistant, a dynamic that hit a little too close to home. Still, the story was captivating, and before I knew it, I'd spent the entire night reading. It didn't matter though cause it was my day off, so there was no need to wake up early.

I didn't get up until almost noon, and after a quick shower, I decided to spend the day at the bookstore to pick up a new novel. I dressed casually and headed out. As I passed through the living room, I noticed Richard on the couch, absorbed in a newspaper.

"Hey, are you free today? Want to play golf?" Richard asked, glancing up at me.

"No, thanks. I'd rather have a quiet day to myself today." I answered. I had spent my last day off with him, and today, I wanted some solitude.

"Okay, no problem," he replied, though there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Somehow a part of me feels guilty for declining his offer.

"Enjoy your day!" I called over my shoulder as I left.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I went to my usual café for lunch before heading to the bookstore. I picked out two novels, recommended by Edith again, and decided to start one at a nearby park. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees as I settled onto a bench and began reading.

A familiar voice interrupted me. "Carlton!"

I looked up and exclaimed in surprise when I saw his familiar face, "Damian!"

He grinned as he sat down beside me. "I thought that was you! What a coincidence. How've you been?"

"Good, and you?"

"Business is great! I just got back from a quick break. Are you here with someone?"

"No, just me."

"Perfect! How about some taste testing again? I've got new products, and I could really use your opinion."

"Sure. I would love to." I agreed and we went back to his bakery. We spent the rest of the afternoon at his shop, trying out different pastries and chatting about his business. He was clearly proud of how well things were going, and I couldn't help but feel a bit proud with myself knowing that the products I'd recommended had become some of his top sellers.

As the day came to a close, Damian offered me a ride back. "Just drop me off by the gate," I instructed, remembering how Richard had been annoyed last time when I brought Damian onto the property.

"That's a long walk," he said, eyeing the distance.

"It's fine. I don't mind."

"That's fine. It's not bother to me." I said. Damian nodded and parked his motorcycle near the manor's gate.

"Thanks again for all your insights." he said gratefully.

"No problem at all. I should be thanking you for the invitation. I had a great time."

"I'm hoping we can hang out again soon, just for fun—strictly no business," he said with a chuckle.

"I'd like that," I replied, my voice muffled as I struggled to unfasten the helmet.

"Here, let me help," Damian offered before reaching over and unclipping it easily.

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling a bit clumsy.

He chuckled and ruffled my hair, fixing it before giving me a pat.  "No worries. Your hair's a mess."

Just then, a loud honk made us both turn. Richard's car was idling by the driveway, his fingers drumming impatiently on the steering wheel, clearly frustrated that we were blocking his way.

"I should go," Damian said and got on his motorcycle. "I'll text you later. See you soon!" He waved to Richard, who nodded stiffly, before driving off.

Richard rolled down his window as he pulled up beside me. "Get in," he said, his voice clipped.

I didn't argue, slipping into the passenger seat. His silence filled the car as we drove, with tension hanging in the air.

"Is something the matter?" I asked, noticing the way his jaw was clenched, his eyes fixed firmly ahead. He looks like he just had a bad day.

"Nothing." he said dismissively.

"Okay..." I trailed off, but when he let out another sigh, I couldn't hold back. "What's bothering you?"

"I remember someone saying they'd rather spend the day alone," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And yet, here you are, spending the day with someone else."

My eyes rolled involuntarily. I can't believe this person. He's acting like a child again, or... wait, that can't be right. Oh god, that book Edith suggested is getting on my head. He's acting jealous, just like the boss in the novel who was envious of the IT guy.

"Are you... jealous of Damian?" I asked jokingly, trying to lighten the mood since I was tired of the drama. It's not like I did anything wrong.

"So what if I am?" he shot back, finally meeting my gaze.

I blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness. My thoughts raced as I tried to make sense of the situation. Does Richard like 'like' me, or is this like when a friend feels betrayed if you hang out with other people? Is it romance or just bromance? Ugh! I can't tell since I've never really experienced either kind of deep relationship. Or am I just imagining things after reading that book?

"It's not like I lied to you. I mean... what are we?" was the best response my mouth could come up with and I mentally cringed at how lame that sounded.

Richard bit his lip, but he stayed silent as we pulled into the garage. I stared at him, waiting for some kind of response, but he kept his eyes straight ahead, giving me the cold shoulder. The silence was unbearable, but I didn't press him. Maybe I had read too much into things after reading a gay love story.

Sighing, I opened the door and stepped out of the car, feeling more confused than ever.