9

Spencer Cypress

I couldn't believe how smoothly that went. For a moment, I thought Graham was going to discuss the kiss last night. But instead, he didn't remember.

After Graham left his house, I called up my lawyer once again for any updates.

"Not much yet. A close friend informed me that the other side is trying to gather some testimonies from your former coworkers." My lawyer said.

"Bertie, is it possible we can try to get them on our side?" I asked.

"I'm not sure, Spencer. When you were first hired, you were given a non-compete clause that you signed. Not only that, but the company has ensured that no one hires you in the wake of your lawsuit.

"You can try to convince some of your former coworkers to join you. But they would not only be risking their jobs but their futures. It might not be the best way to go." He explained.

"Got it. And how are things coming along with Amelda Sherman? Has she agreed on a meeting?"

I heard my lawyer typing. "She's able to meet on July 1st. She's willing to make the drive down from Fremont and meet up in Bakersfield."

Even though I didn't have a car, I couldn't turn down this opportunity. This moment was too vital. "Tell her I'm willing to meet up."

"You got it! I also sent Mr. Cycad that warning letter that further harassment would constitute legal action. He should calm down by now."

"Thanks, Bertie. Send me the information about the meet up and I'll call you later."

After hanging up, I began to search online for a car rental. But then I heard Graham's truck pulling up to his driveway. I peeked out the window and saw Graham hop out of his truck.

"Come, Juniper!" He patted his thigh. Graham removed his hat and wiped his forehead using his shirt. I caught a glimpse of his stomach. Even from here I could trace the outline of his muscles.

Juniper hopped out of the car and shook himself. From where I stood, the two were almost the same.

Perhaps Graham can be my ride. Would he be willing to take the drive to Bakersfield? Or would that be too much for me to ask?

Maybe if I ask him in a cute manner then he'll accept my offer.

I put off that thought as I returned to my computer and made a list of what I needed for the 4th of July party I wanted to throw. With the experience I have, I think I'll be able to pull it off. And I know the right ways to cut costs.

After enough time had passed, I left for Graham's house. As soon as the door opened, Juniper jumped on me, causing me to fall back. He began to lick my face repeatedly.

"Juniper! No!" Graham shouted. He managed to get Juniper off of me before he drowned me in his saliva.

"Hello to you too, Juniper." I said. I stood up and dusted my clothes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'll pay for the dry cleaning." Graham said.

"It's fine." I told him. "Actually, I came to ask you for a favor."

Juniper ran off to chase a butterfly. Graham and I sat on some chairs on his porch.

"On with it. What do you need from your favorite neighbor?"

"You're like, my only neighbor, Graham." I said. He blushed. "Uh, I need to go to Bakersfield for a thing that is really important. And since I don't have a car, I was wondering if you'd be willing to give me a ride." I told him.

Graham leaned back in his seat. "Hm. Well, will you be providing food? He asked.

"Yes. I'll buy snacks." I replied.

"And I expect you to pay for gas too."

"Of course." I said.

"And Juniper will have to come with us."

"I expected that. So, is that a yes?" I asked.

"Hm... Yes. I'll take you. When will it be?" He asked. I told him the information of when the trip will be. But I left out what it was for. And Graham didn't seem to ask too much.

"Oh. there's something I need to get off my chest if we are to go on this trip." I told Graham.

"Go ahead." He asked. I stood up and looked out. I could feel him looking at me.

I turned around and saw him staring up at me. "The night you got drunk, we actually kissed. You asked me to kiss you, and I figured I'd do it since you'd forget. And you did, but now I'm telling you, so..."

Graham quickly stood up. "Oh, God! Why didn't you tell me? Now I'm even more embarrassed! I knew I shouldn't have drank that much."

His face turned red. He looked away from me.

"Graham, calm down. It wasn't your fault. I should've just ignored your requests. We made a deal that we wouldn't date."

"You don't get it, Spencer. Even though I was drunk, I still wanted it. What's the saying, in vino veritas? Well, I'm guessing that me begging for you to kiss me was something I've wanted but kept hidden."

I reached to grab Graham's hand. I forced him to turn around.

"Is that how you really feel, Graham? Do you want to kiss me right now?" I asked. He nodded slowly.

Placing my hand on his cheek, I leaned up and placed a small kiss on his cheek. He nuzzled into my hand, craving more of my touch.

"Not that kind of kiss." He said.

"Then show me." I told him. His eyes had a slight glow to them. He leaned down and pressed his lips tightly on mine.

He began to move his lips as mine followed his command. Graham wanted one thing: Me. He wanted me for himself in this moment as clear by how his hands grabbed me and pressed me close to him.

I opened my eyes and saw Graham was deep into the kiss. Up close, I could see how beautiful his hair was. Even his eyelashes were to die for.

Graham opened his eyes eventually and he let go of my body. Our breathing and sweat from the heat mixed together in a strange but erotic way.

"Like that." He said.

"I think we broke our pact to not date each other." I said.

"I don't think we broke it. We did say we would date eventually. It just so happened that it was moved up." Graham said.

"You're not... wrong entirely."

I sat us back in the chairs.

"I guess we can date, Graham. But just know that I'm going through something else, in legal terms. I want to warn you that you'll be handling broken goods." I told him.

"You aren't broken goods! You're just right, like freshly picked peaches." Graham said.

"And what about you? You said that you also weren't ready to date because of something."

Graham leaned closer to my face. "I guess I was feeling broken from what happened long ago that I had forgotten that I was already fixed." He mentioned.

"Now is the time you ask me out, Graham." I said.

He cleared his throat and stood up. "Spencer, will you go out with me?" He asked.

I stood up and joined him. "Yes, Graham. I'd like to go out with you." I replied.

Graham hugged me, almost squeezing me from his strength. After letting me catch some air, we realized Juniper had run off and spent a few minutes looking for him.

He invited me inside his house and offered me a glass of lemonade.

"Now that we're dating, what do two guys do? Is there some secret Gay Manuscript that only gay men know or something?" Graham asked.

He's handsome, but not the brightest. There might be a word for that...

"We do what any straight couple would do. We'll go on dates, share meals, watch movies, and kiss." I replied.

"Even..." He leaned closer. "Sex?"

"That's part of it for many couples. We don't have to do that if you want to because you're inexperienced. But the offer is not off the table on my side." I told him.

"Got it." Graham sighed. "Thanks, by the way, for telling me about that night. If you hadn't told me, we probably would've continued on as just friends for who knows how long."

"Of course. I've seen these types of things happen in TV shows and movies and always screamed at the characters just to communicate. And look where that got us! Officially dating!"

"And with the upcoming trip, we're gonna have so much fun. I can't wait." His face flushed red with excitement.

"Me too." I replied. I watched as Graham told Juniper about the trip.

At some point, I will have to tell Graham about the reason why I moved to this town. My main worry is, though, if he'll still see me as the same person or if he'll become disgusted. Because I know I am disgusted with myself.