Simon

It’s been a while since I’ve been with a guy this cute. I’ve always had a thing for blonds. I really shouldn’t get too close though, who knows how long I’ll be here for this time. I can’t see it being very long. If I’m getting the vibe I think I am from this guy, I’ll have to be upfront with him. No strings attached. I can’t do commitment. Not when I have to move around so much. Maybe one day I’ll settle down and stay in one place but that won’t be for a long time from now.

“So, do you always go to that shop?” Shinta’s question snaps me back to the present. 

“I have since I moved here. I move a lot for work and got my new apartment pretty close to here. What about you? “

“I pretty much grew up in that place. Josiah’s family owns the place. We used to play together while his parents watched us. His parents are mostly retired now and travel around the states in an RV. He pretty much runs the place now. I’m honestly surprised that I haven’t seen you yet. I’m almost there every day.”

“I don’t really have a schedule. I’m a traveling photographer here to capture the life of the city so I am out at random times trying to capture it. When I’m not out taking photos, I’m typically holed up inside of my apartment editing photos.”

“Oh, that sounds really neat!” He looks genuinely excited about it. That smile could light a whole room up. 

“It can be pretty exhausting with a terrible sleep schedule and it doesn’t pay too terribly much.” I can’t help but laugh. I wish my company wasn’t always rushing me to get things finished so quickly. Yeah, I get  to travel everywhere but it’s hard to have a personal life. 

“Well, as long as you enjoy it . Being rich is bad for you anyway. “

He’s so optimistic. He’s got to be the kinda guy that sees the good in everything and everyone. “I guess you’re right.”

We arrive at the center of the park. There’s a small creek winding through with an ornate wooden bridge joining the paths on either side. Ducks ruffle their feathers as they bob and sway on the water’s surface. The park is mostly vacant save the few pairs of people scattered along the trail. 

“This is my favorite place,” Shinta tells me, stopping on the bridge to leave his arms on the banister. “I come here on my days off to read. It’s so peaceful to listen to the creek running.”

“This really is beautiful. I’ll have to come by sometime to read and take pictures.”

I can see him eyeing my book and I can tell he’s dying to ask me again what I’m really reading. I debate for a moment before deciding to go out on a limb. “You promise you won’t make fun of me if I tell you what I really like to read?”

“I won't, I promise! I’m the last person that should be making fun of you for your reading preferences. Scouts honor,” and he makes a big show of crossing his heart. 

“Romance,” I say, heat flushing my neck.

“Aw, so you’re the romantic type!”

“See, I knew you’d make fun of me.” The heat rises to my ears. 

“No, no, I’m not making fun of you. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It’s quite the opposite actually.” He puts a hand on my shoulder to reassure me. Fire sparks in my gut at the touch. 

“You don’t think it’s weird for a guy?” Not that I think it is, but I find it hard to be with someone who is going to make me feel insecure. 

“Not at all. I think guys should be allowed to like whatever they want. I happen to really like the romantic type. I knew there was a reason I was drawn to you.” He says it so matter of factly that I can’t help but believe him. 

“Thanks Shinta.” That’s relieving. I hook my hands on the banister and lean back, stretching the muscles in my shoulders. My eyes can’t help but wander over his body. I can tell his hair is rather long. He also has really long eyelashes haloing his bright blue eyes. His sweater is baggy but I can tell that he is quite slender. I wonder what his hips feel like in my hands. 

“Simon? Hello? You okay? You’re spacing out.” He is waving his hand in front of my face. How long was he doing that before I noticed?

“I-I’m fine. I just do that sometimes.” The heat flushes back to my ears. Hopefully I wasn’t too obvious. Or maybe it would be better if I was. 

“My cup’s empty. You finished with yours? I can throw it away with mine if you want.”

“Okay, that would be nice, thank you.” I hand him my empty cup and follow after him.

“I can walk you home if you want?”

“No, that's okay. I only live a couple blocks away on 8th Street.”
“What? I do too! In the Lumbridge Apartments.” 

I stop in my tracks. That’s the same apartment complex that I’m staying in. I haven’t really met many of my neighbors. I won’t be here long so there’s no point in getting to know them anyway. “That would be them.”

“It’s settled then! Let’s go!” he says, grabbing my hand as he leads the way to our apartments. 

“What a small world.” I don’t know if I’m lucky or unfortunate. There's not going to be an easy way for me to leave if he lives right there. But, it will be convenient for spending time together. 

“I should really go outside more often, then we could have met sooner.” He gives me those big doe eyes and pulls me along. I let him lead me, following along at his pace. Past the bakery and the old gift shops until we arrive at our complex. 

“Well, this is me,” I say, stopping in front of my small studio apartment. “If you want to get coffee again sometime, just let me know. I’d be happy to join you.”

He looks shy now. His slender hand stroking his elbow, eyes averted. “I’d like that a lot.” He takes a step closer to me. “Would you actually like to come over for dinner tomorrow?

“You mean you’ll cook for me? I don’t want to be a burden.” It’s been so long since I’ve had a home cooked meal. It would actually be pretty nice to have real food for once.

“It’s really not a problem. I cook for Josiah all the time. It’s easier than cooking for one person anyway.”

“Okay, if you insist. I’ll be happy to join you for dinner tomorrow.”

“It’s settled then! I’ll see you tomorrow then. Just come to apartment when ever you want, I’m off tomorrow.  I’ll cook you dinner. See you then?” He asks me hopefully. 

“Yeah, I’ll see you after I do a little work.” I wave and head inside. I toss my book on the coffee table and plop down on the couch. Maybe I’ll just take a little nap. 

I knock on the door and wait for Shinta to answer. I didn’t want to come over too early but I ended up coming earlier than intended. I already showered and did a bit of editing and replied to some emails. I should be good to do absolutely nothing today besides spend time with Shinta.

The door opens and the warm smell of candles wafts into my nostrils. Shint’s bun is less messy than yesterday. The sweater he picked is just as baggy but this time a light cream color. 

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Want to go to the store with me? I was just about to head out to get some groceries for tonight.”

“Sure, I could use a little walking anyway. My back is stiff from staring at the computer all morning.”

“Sweet. How about we grab some coffee first?”

“Deal”