Chapter 8 - Leo

“He’s for sure into you.” Eli takes a bite out of the chocolate dessert our waiter just set down.

“100%,” Lina adds, picking up a spoon. “He’s already come in, what, like 6 or 7 times? He likes you.” 

I shrug as I take my own bite. “Maybe he just really likes our coffee.” 

Lina rolls her eyes. “Babe, I know our coffee tastes amazing but you know damn well no man is traveling 20 minutes for a black coffee.” 

Eli nods several times. “He even comes to The Rabbit Hole to see you during your break. If that doesn’t prove he likes you then I dunno what will.”

Ever since Jordan and I came back from London, I’ve been thinking that I might have been taking things the wrong way. We’ve known each other for weeks, been on a trip together, and spent countless hours together. I mean we even slept in the same bed. 

But I still can’t gauge how he feels about me.

Or if he’s even into men.

When we first met I played into it because I thought he was into me. Now I can’t tell if he only pursued me because he thought I’d be good for his photos. The way he looks at me makes me think that he’s just trying to figure out my good angles or what clothes he wants to shoot me in next.

London was the first place that we were outside together. Up until then, I hadn’t done a photoshoot outside. All of them have been just us two in his studio. So I’d never seen how Jordan interacts with other people. 

And maybe I wish I didn’t. Because then I wouldn’t be feeling this way.

I thought I was special. Maybe I’m stupid for thinking that. 

The flight attendants, taxi drivers, and random people who talked to us during our shoot all flirted with Jordan. And there’s nothing wrong with them doing that. Hell, I don’t even blame them. I'd be the same if I saw someone as hot as him.

But it’s the way he interacted with all of them. He’s just…so friendly. Too friendly to a point where it walks the line of flirting. And I don’t think he does it on purpose. I fully think that’s just the type of person he is. He makes intense eye contact and makes you feel like you’re the only person who exists at that moment. 

After our shoot in London, we stopped by a Thai restaurant for dinner and our waitress made it abundantly clear she was flirting. Hand on his shoulder, giggling like a schoolgirl. She came to our table more than necessary to check how we were doing and gave him complimentary drinks. As a server myself, I know how to play it up to get tips and good ratings but I also know when it’s over the top. Then to top it all off, she wrote her number on the receipt which he ended up pocketing. To his credit, I don’t think he saw it, but still I feel weird about it.

I don’t even know what I want. Am I jealous? Do I want a relationship? Do I just want to sleep with him? Obviously yes to that last question, but it feels like we’re far past the friends-with-benefits stage at this point. 

“When’s the last time you had sex? Maybe you’re just dick-deprived.” Eli asks.

I consider that for a moment but I’m still not satisfied. “I don’t know. I don’t think I want to just hook up with him.”

Eli’s eyes go wide and he covers his mouth before letting out a squeal. “Leo! Wait, does this mean?” He grabs Lina’s arm who is watching me expectantly. “I never thought I’d see the day where Leo actually settles down.”

“Okay chill out, I never said anything about settling down.” 

“No, but this is the longest I’ve ever seen you take interest in a guy that you weren’t fucking.” Lina adds. 

She does make a good point. Other than Danny and Eli, I don’t have many guy friends. 99% of the time when I become friends with a guy we start hooking up. Even if they’re straight. Especially if they’re straight. It’s like I have a straight guy magnet on my back that I can’t shake.

I used to not care. I actually used to prefer it that way because I knew there would never be any chance of a relationship. And even when there was just a slight hint that they wanted something more, I’d cut them off. 

That’s why this situation is so foreign to me. If he wanted to make a move, he would have by now. 

Even worse, I’ve found myself getting excited to see him. Not even in a sexual way but just looking forward to being in his presence.

Ugh. I can’t believe I feel this way about a guy I’m not even with. Maybe I should cut him off. 

“When school starts I’m done with this modeling stuff so it doesn’t even matter.”

They both shoot me a look like I just grew another head. “Leo you can’t just quit, are you crazy?!” Eli asks incredulously. “Do you know how big of a model you could be? Do you know how many people would kill to be in your position? Me, by the way. I’m people.” 

“You can take my spot then.” I tell him. 

“No, never. You’re amazing, you deserve it.” 

I laugh a little considering if anything, Eli is the one who would make it big as a model. Blonde hair, big brown eyes, pretty face; he has the looks of a famous movie star just waiting to be discovered.  

He’s actually the reason I started working at the Rabbit Hole. It was the end of summer after my freshman year and I was working as a lifeguard at a country club outside of the city. 

The first time I saw him he was wearing tight swim shorts. He had been reclining on a chair talking to four girls when I walked by. I made it all the way back to the employee locker room before I realized he had been following me. 

“Hi!” He was beaming with the biggest smile on his face. 

“I don’t think you’re supposed to be in here.” Was the first thing I said to him. 

He crossed his arms and leaned against one of the lockers. “Don’t worry. My daddy owns this place.” He then gave me a once over. I was still in my bright red swimming trunks. “You have amazing legs. Has anyone ever told you that?” After that we would talk every so often during my breaks until summer ended.

He wasn’t in school, so for the next two years I didn’t see much of him. I met him again at a low point in my life towards the end of summer after my sophomore year. I was at a club on who knows what drug when someone tapped me on the shoulder. He looked the exact same, pretty face and big brown eyes. Huge pupils so I know he was on something too. We partied together that night and then he told me about this new place he started working at. 

“Aren’t you rich? Why are you working at a restaurant?” I had learned that not only did his dad own the country club I worked at, but also 10 other country clubs around the country. And a membership there isn’t cheap by any means so I know he didn’t have to worry about money. 

He just shrugged. “Dunno. I wanna get paid to show off my body but I don’t wanna sell my body for money, you know? Plus I like it, it gives me something to do.” He then gave me the number to the owner and told me to mention his name when I called. 

Truthfully I hadn’t planned on calling but certain events during that summer left me no choice but to find a way to make money as quickly as possible. 

And now I have Eli to thank because if it weren’t for him I wouldn’t have met Jordan. I should make him my best man. Unless we elope in Vegas without telling anyone which is more my vibe anyway.

Wait, why am I thinking about a wedding? I’ve officially lost my mind. We’re not even dating. And I’m planning to keep it that way.

Well at least I’ll try.