by Elouise East
“Sorry, sorry. It’s like fate.”
“Emerson, you’ve lost me.” Grant was getting the impression that Emerson was a little on the crazy side.
“Sorry.” Emerson cleared his throat, a smile still on his face. “Right. I said I was born in England, yes?” He waited for Grant to nod. “Well, I was born in Cambridge and lived there for fourteen years.”
Grant’s jaw dropped open. “Holy shit.”
“Yeah.” Emerson smiled at him. “Fate, eh?”
Grant chuckled. “Well, I see fate has intervened in my life today.”
They were quiet as they ate their food until Emerson broke the silence with a question.
“So, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”
Grant glanced over and noticed a flush on his cheeks. He finished his mouthful before answering, “Twenty-three. And you?”
Emerson closed his eyes and sighed. “Thirty-three.” It was uttered with a hint of resignation to it.
“Oh no! It’s all downhill for you now.” Grant attempted to liven him back up again. He wasn’t sure what Emerson’s tone meant.
“Hey!” Emerson mock frowned at him. “That wasn’t kind.”
“Well, I’m a child compared to you, old man.” Grant chuckled.
“I know.” Grant hadn’t expected Emerson to react so seriously, but at least he had figured out what his problem was—their age difference.
“What’s the problem? It’s fate, remember?” Grant pointed a fork at Emerson. “No dissing Fate.”
Emerson chuckled and shook his head. “You’re seriously not bothered by the difference?”
“Nope. Now, if this was a date, well…we would have to have this whole conversation about saving my virtue.” He had no idea where the words had come from, but he was glad they were out in the open. He wanted to understand what this meeting was.
“You don’t think this is a date?” Emerson’s eyebrows rose again.
“I was unsure. Now, seeing your expression, I’m thinking my original conclusion was right.”
Emerson wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Sorry, I should’ve been clearer. This, to me, was a date. If it makes you uncomfortable, we can leave it as friends.” Emerson sat back in his seat, studying Grant with an unreadable expression.
Grant smiled slowly. “I’m glad it’s a date.”
Emerson blew out a breath and gave him the biggest grin Grant had seen yet. “Thank god! I thought I would have to find another library to study at.”
Once lunch was finished, after a long and engaging conversation, Grant explained he had to go home to study. Emerson apologised for keeping him out so long, which Grant waved away.
Outside in the cold, after wrapping up as warmly as he could, Grant stood on the sidewalk facing Emerson. “Thank you for lunch. You didn’t have to pay.”
“I offered to take you on a date. It’s the least I could do.”
“Well, thank you.”
“Can we do this again sometime?” Emerson asked, wrapping his scarf around his neck. Grant needed to get one of those.
“Definitely.” Grant was a little giddy.
“Could I have your number?”
Grant nodded, reciting his number when Emerson was ready to enter it into his phone. His own phone vibrated once.
“Now, you have my number, too.” Emerson gazed at him. “Can I kiss you?” he whispered.
Grant stared at him, then nodded.
Emerson reached a hand up, and using his finger and thumb, he held Grant’s chin and leaned down to press their lips together. It was just a gentle press for a short time before he pulled away. He left a couple of little kisses on each corner of his mouth before pecking his lips again and leaning away.
“Safe journey home, Grant.”
Grant nodded, awestruck. “You, too,” he breathed.
Emerson pressed his lips to Grant’s once more and let go. He headed off in the opposite direction to Grant, turning once to wave again.
Grant’s hand touched his lips, wishing he could keep the kiss there forever.
****
Grant settled in at home, sitting on the sofa in a daze when a knock at his door sounded.
He opened it and smiled when he saw Adam stood there with Bailey. “Hey, long time no see. How are you?” Grant opened the door wider so they could enter.
“Good, thanks. How are things with you? You’ve been here…what? About nine months now? Have you settled in now?” Adam sat on the sofa, motioning to Bailey, who laid by his feet.
Grant followed and sat on the armchair adjacent, therefore Adam wouldn’t have to crane his neck to see him. “Yeah, everything is great. Love this place. Thank you again for everything.”
Adam waved him away. “Don’t mention it. Why let it go to waste when someone can use it.”
“How was…Denali?” Grant wasn’t sure if he remembered correctly where Adam’s mom had told him Adam had been visiting.
“Yeah. Denali was cold. Very, very cold. Even colder than here. This, to me, is like a heatwave.” Adam laughed.
“God, I’m struggling in this weather. There’s no way I’d make it anywhere colder.” Grant shivered in response to the topic.
“How’s the job going?”
“The usual, really. Just biding my time until I’ve finished my degree.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do after?” Adam asked.
Grant shook his head. “No. I don’t fancy going home, but I suppose it depends on if I can find a job somewhere near here. I’m keeping an eye on the postings. You never know.”
“Well, you’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Anyway, I was only checking in. I’ll leave you to your evening. Give me a shout if you need anything.” Adam stood and motioned to Bailey again, who followed him to the door.
“I will. Thanks, Adam. Have a good evening.”
“Oh,” Adam turned back, hand resting on the door frame, “forgot to mention. Mom invited you for dinner tomorrow night in the main house. You are allowed to eat with them when I’m not here, you know.” Adam raised his eyebrows.
“I know. But you know me. I don’t like putting people on the spot. I’m fine here in my little oasis away from the world.” Grant smiled.
“If you’re sure. But anytime you want company, head over there, alright?”
“Yep, I will.”
“Goodnight, Grant.”
“’Night, Adam.”
After Adam left, Grant sat back down, his mind tired. He supposed he had kept himself away from Adam’s parents. What he said was true, he didn’t like putting people on the spot. The only reason he’d agreed to stay here was because they let him pay rent. To begin with, Adam told him it was free, and Grant argued heatedly until they conceded and agreed to a payment. Although he understood he could go over there whenever he wanted, even join them every night for dinner, he didn’t want to outstay his welcome. Therefore, he had stayed away. Maybe too much. He’d apologise to them tomorrow and make an effort to go and see them occasionally.
Maybe Grant could share this family with Emerson, and he smiled before catching himself. He shook his head. For god’s sake, he’d only spoken to him for the first time today. God.
Grant stood and emptied his bag onto the table. He still had the final part of one assignment to do and another one to start. Was Emerson able to do his studying in the evening at his house, or was his roommate noisy all night as well? Grant hoped Emerson managed to get some rest.
He grabbed a snack and a large glass of water and set them on the table. He sat and began studying; if he knuckled down, he could have the assignment finished tonight.
****
Two hours later, he was roused from his work by the message sound on his phone. He finished the paragraph he was writing and grabbed it.
I know I said I’d call you, but I didn’t want to disturb either your work or your sleep, depending on what you
’re doing. This is simply a message to say hi. E
Grant bit his lip to contain his smile. He hadn’t expected to hear from Emerson tonight. Staring at the phone, he struggled with what to say in his reply. In the end, he went with:
Hi! I was studying but needed the break. Thanks for lunch today. I had fun.
Standing and stretching his stiff muscles, revived him a little more. He used the bathroom, filled his water glass and sat back down. He could see the light at the end of this assignment. Another hour or so, and he’d be done.
I did too. Want to do it again sometime?
Sounds good. I’m off work until Monday. When are you free?
Good news! I’m free tomorrow. Where would you like to go?
How about a walk in Central Park?
Good idea. Wrap up warm, it’s going to be chilly. How about eleven, then we could go for lunch?
Perfect. Where should I meet you?
Columbus Circle. We’ll decide from there where to go. X
He debated whether to add the kiss but decided to go with his instincts. And besides, Emerson had done it on his.
Ok, see you there at eleven. X
Get some rest. X
You too. X
X
The final solitary kiss had Grant grinning like a teenager after his first kiss. He checked his watch: nine o’clock. He could get this assignment done and still get a good night’s sleep before his adventure tomorrow. After jumping up and down in excitement for a few seconds, he shook it off and settled to work.
An hour and a half later, he finally finished and could relax. He saved the assignment, ready for the final read-through tomorrow and went to bed.
Chapter 4
Emerson
Emerson needed to find a new place to live. Jason was a rich kid who knew it all and was as entitled as they come. He didn’t have to work or pay for anything since it was all provided for him. The only reason Emerson lived here in the first place was that the rent was cheap for the area. He managed to find this through Daniel, of all people. Daniel was an acquaintance of Jason’s father and happened to mention wanting someone to keep an eye on Jason and trying to find a roommate for him. Daniel had stated he knew someone who was searching for a place, and it was arranged.
Daniel had obviously asked him before agreeing, but if Emerson had realised exactly what was involved, he would’ve refused politely. Jason was…ignorant. There was no better word for it. He didn’t care if Emerson had to be up early, he didn’t care if he woke him up. All Jason cared about was his online video games, or whichever girl was the flavour of the day.
In the beginning, it had been perfect. But now, Emerson needed to find somewhere new. He had less and less time to study because more and more time was taken up by Jason’s laughter and shouting and cheering. And Emerson had also heard more than he needed to in regards to Jason’s sex life. He made a mental note to text Daniel and explain about his need to find another place. It would give Jason’s dad time to find a replacement, and it would give Emerson some time to save up a deposit.
Emerson would miss the place. Who wouldn’t miss a several-million-dollar apartment on Fifth Avenue? The limit of his tolerance had been surpassed, though.
He stood near the bottom of the statue, facing West 59th Street because Grant’s subway station was in that direction. He strained his eyes to see as far as he could, but nobody stood out. He had no idea what Grant would be wearing, which didn’t help him with identification. He’d have to be patient and wait.
Excitement flowed through his veins; he had no idea what they were going to talk about or where they were going to go. He was excited to be with him.
“Hey.”
Emerson glanced to his right and saw Grant standing next to him, wind-swept and rosy-cheeked.
“Hi! You’re here!”
Grant raised his eyebrows. “Am I not supposed to be?”
“Yes! Sorry. I wasn’t sure if you would come.”
“Why? I said I would.”
“Yeah. I just…” Emerson shrugged. “I wasn’t sure if I’d put you off,” he mumbled.
Grant smiled, leaned forward, and pressed a short but sweet kiss to his lips. “I’m here.”
With a grin threatening to crack his face, Emerson managed to stop himself from bouncing up and down like a little kid. “Where would you like to walk to?”
Biting his lip, Grant’s cheeks heated a bit. “Would you mind if we went to the zoo?” he asked, inspecting the ground.
“Not at all. Let’s go.” Grabbing Grant’s hand, he linked their fingers together and set off towards the entrance to Central Park.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Grant asked.
“No, I don’t mind. What’s your favourite animal?”
“Meerkat,” Grant announced, grinning. “They’re so small and cute.”
“Aww, you’re a softy at heart, aren’t you?” Emerson teased, earning a half-hearted slap on the arm. “Hey, no assaulting me, please. It’s mean.”
Grant snorted, and they dawdled along through the trees, along walkways and around other people.
“Did you manage to get any studying done after I dominated your time yesterday?” Emerson asked.
“Yeah, I did. I finished one assignment, which I only need to read through later on. Then I have another one to start. It’s never-ending!”
Emerson noticed Grant shiver and pulled him closer; Grant needed a scarf, hat and gloves. “It does feel that way, doesn’t it? Like a carousel ride you can’t get off. Consider the long-term. A few more months, and we’ll both be finished.”
“Yeah, I know. How—”
Grant was interrupted by the voice of another. “Well, would you look at that? Don’t you look good. It’s a lovely day for a stroll, isn’t it, my boys?” Sister Mary Agnes stared at them with a smile on her face. “Make sure you grab a scarf and hat for your boyfriend there, Emerson. He’ll catch his death in this temperature without one.” With that pronouncement, she went on her way, waving over her shoulder at them.
Emerson glanced at Grant, who gaped at after her, and they both laughed. “She’s definitely a little wild,” Emerson observed, fondly. “She doesn’t seem to get many things wrong, though.” You couldn’t be angry or upset at Sister Mary Agnes. She meant well, and most of her advice was sound.
Seeing a market stall selling winter accessories, Emerson dragged Grant over and told him to pick some out, removing his wallet from his pocket.
“I can buy them!” Grant protested.
“Either you pick ones you like, or I pick them for you. You heard Sister Mary Agnes. I have to take care of my boyfriend.” He withheld his smile when he saw Grant raise his eyebrows at his proclamation.
“Is that what we are?” Grant whispered.
Emerson walked over to him and wrapped his arms around his waist. “I hope we are. Or at least we are heading for it.” He dropped a kiss on Grant’s lips and let go. “Come on. What’s your favourite colour?”
“Teal,” Grant replied, almost sulkily.
Emerson examined the offerings having no idea what shade teal was besides blue-green, but he found a scarf and hat combo which might work. He showed it to Grant, whose expression lit up. He searched for gloves to match but couldn’t find any. He did find some dark grey ones which would match Grant’s coat. Emerson paid for the purchases, brushing away Grant’s protests. He wrapped the scarf around Grant’s neck, fitted the hat on his head and offered one glove at a time for him to put on.
Once Grant was bundled up, Emerson beamed. “Feel better?” he asked.
“Yes, but you didn’t have to buy me those.”
“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to.” Emerson dropped another kiss on Grant’s lips. “Come on, let’s go see the animals.”
****
They strolled the scenic route to the zoo, taking far longer than the fifteen minutes it should have, but Emerson was more than happy to wander around Central Park indefinitely if it meant he could k
eep talking to Grant. He knew facts about everything around him or any topic; he didn’t always have an opinion on certain things, but he knew the encyclopaedia-type information. Emerson was fascinated by all the things Grant managed to keep in his brain.
“You’re going to be an amazing librarian.” They entered the zoo.
Grant blushed and studied at his hands. “Thanks,” he whispered.
They meandered around the exhibits, reading the information boards about each animal and Grant adding more facts if he knew any. Emerson enjoyed watching the penguins while Grant said his favourite was the red panda. Once they had been around all the exhibits, Emerson’s stomach began complaining.
“Shall we head out and find a place for lunch?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, please. I’m starving. But I’ve had such great fun, I didn’t want to stop!” Grant laughed, and Emerson was delighted he’d had a hand in making him carefree and happy. “Do you fancy waffles from the food truck?”
“Sounds good.” Emerson didn’t care what he ate, as long as Grant enjoyed himself. He listened as Grant chatted non-stop about what they’d seen at the zoo and other random facts. Suddenly, Grant stopped walking. “What’s wrong?” Emerson asked, feet slowing when he realised Grant wasn’t beside him.
“Why did you let me go on and on about all this stuff. You must find it boring.”
“No.” He stopped walking and faced Grant. “I love your enthusiasm. Your face lights up when you talk about a subject you’re interested in. I love the sound of your voice, your laughter.” Emerson paused. “It’s makes everything a little brighter for me.”
Grant stared at him, grabbed hold and kissed him. Wrapping an arm around Grant’s waist, Emerson kissed him like he’d wanted to yesterday. Their mouths immediately opened, and their tongues slid along each other’s as Emerson threaded his fingers through Grant’s hair. He tilted Grant’s head a little more to the side and was able to take the kiss deeper. Emerson got lost in the sensation of Grant’s hair, his lips, his tongue…he lost all sense of time until someone shuffled past them murmuring, “Get a room!”
Emerson gentled the kiss, wanting to keep contact, and ended up dropping little kisses all over Grant’s face, making him laugh. Grinning, he left one last kiss on Grant’s lips again and pulled back, still holding on to him.