Josiah

Ding!

I look up to the sound of the doorbell ringing, not at all surprised when Shinta is the one standing in the doorway. I don’t think he can go a day without coffee.

 He’s only an inch taller than me but somehow he always seems to stand much higher. His long blonde hair is tied up in a messy bun and he’s wearing his classic style of tight pants and a way too baggy sweater. 

“Just the man I needed to see.” He sets his leather shoulder bag down next to the stool at the coffee bar before sitting down. 

I do my best dramatic eyeroll as I reach for a glass to start making him his favorite drink, a dirty vanilla chai. “Shinta, what a surprise. I had no idea you would be here today.” That’s a lie. He’s hardly missed a day since we were kids. I know something’s up if he doesn’t show his face at least once a day. “What kind of trouble are you getting into today?” I say, half joking. He can seriously get himself into tricky spots sometimes.

“Well, I’ll have you know I’m not getting into anything. I actually just woke up.”

“You sure you didn’t wake up four hours ago to put on makeup?”

Now he’s pouting at me. I hope he doesn’t notice me blushing but that look is totally cute. I don’t mind that he likes to wear makeup, I just wish he didn’t hide his freckles. They are so beautiful. He’s always hated them but I love the way they speckle under his blue eyes and across his nose. 

I set down his coffee after staring a bit too long. “Here. And I don’t see why you have to hide your freckles.”

“I told you, it makes me feel pretty and confident.”

I can’t help but chuckle at that. Him? Not confident? The man that will dive into any project head first? The man who can speak in front of large groups? The man that came out to both of our families in high school? The one who does everything he wants to? I’ve always been impressed by him. Meanwhile, I’m a coward who hides behind his mask. Never taking anything I want for fear of losing things altogether. 

I reach forward and tussle his hair a little. “You’re prettier without it, and you have enough confidence for the both of us.” 

Ding!

I look up to see the new arrival. Great. It’s Simon. He’s starting to become a new regular and I was happy that they hadn’t run into each other yet. He’s totally Shinta’s type. Tall, tan and muscular. The sporty looking type. Today he’s wearing an all black basketball style outfit although it's not for any real team. On the left side of his chest it just says the words Sad Boi.

Turning back to Shinta, I catch him staring just like I thought he would be. Great. “Close your mouth, you’re drooling,” I say to him, a peng of jealousy striking through me. He snaps back to me, closing his mouth. “Stay here, and be good would you?” He crosses his arm and pouts again. That damn look will be the death of me.

“Hey Simon, what can I get for you?”

“Something real sweet and with a bit of caffeine, dealer's choice.”

“Okay, how about a caramel macchiato with an extra shot?”

“Sounds good to me. I have a lot of work to do today”

I take his payment and he goes to sit down while he waits. I can feel Shinta burning a hole through the back of my head with how hard he’s staring at me. I turn to meet his gaze, those big blue eyes sparkling like its Christmas. But, I know that look’s not for me. It’s for Simon. And he wants me to tell him everything that I know about him. 

“Who is that beautiful creature,” he finally spits out, doing his best to keep his voice low despite his obvious excitement. 

“Don’t even think about it. He’s a regular.” 

“Oh come on,” he pleads with me, drawing out all the vowels. “That makes him even better! You’ve got to tell me.”

“No, you’re going to scare him away.” Not only will I lose a customer but I’ll probably lose Shinta too. Again. Until everything falls apart and I’m left to pick up the pieces while he’s still clueless as ever. Not that it’s his fault. I’ve never told him I like men. But does it count when the only man I’ve ever liked was him? It’s always just been him. 

“I will not, how could you say such a thing?” There he goes pouting again. He knows I can’t say no to him when he makes that face at me. 

All I can do is sigh and tell him the truth. “You have a habit of hunting things down and leaving a mess.”

I can tell the gasp he lets out is exaggerated. No way is he that shocked. He knows how I feel about him and his adventures. He always ends up being the one with a broken heart. I wish he could be in a healthy relationship, even if it’s not with me. As much as it would hurt to see, I just want him to be genuinely happy and treated well. 

“I can’t believe you,” he exclaims at me, pretending to be offended. “Have more faith in me.” He downs the rest of his drink then collects his bag off the floor. “Thank you for the drink! I’ll see you tomorrow!” And before I know it he’s headed to the door.

Pausing with the door open, I watch as he takes a long look at Simon before leaving. I just know where this is headed and I’m not excited. I want to believe it will all be okay this time but my stomach churning won’t let me. 

I finish making Simons drink and call him up to the counter. I can tell he wants to ask me something when he lingers at the counter for a little bit, staring at his coffee.

“What’s up man?” I ask because he looks like he’s on the fence.

“Can I ask you who that guy was?” 

There it is. I never had a chance. Prince charming is going to swoop in and knock him off his feet.