Finding Home at Randy’s (Diner Days)

Chapter 16

“ A m I overthinking this?” I ask Val, not bothering to turn from the mirror as I speak.

They sigh, long and loud and dramatic. “Yes. Yes, you are. It’s just Denver. Y’all have been glued together since you met, what’s the big deal?”

The big deal is I haven’t told Valery that we kissed, and I want more. Or that Denver changed our plans at the last minute to include Graeme, and I am scared shitless that I’m going to be a third wheel to something I instigated.

But it’s also the only off day Denver and I have together for ten days or so. On a weekend to boot, so I don’t want to waste it with my silly insecurities. I know they would have kept their plans the same if I said no…but I wanted Graeme with us, too.

Nothing makes sense. Graeme is nice, and I’ve enjoyed talking to him, but I don’t know him. Not like I’ve gotten to know Denver the past few weeks. Though, I also can’t deny I’m drawn to Graeme’s quiet presence.

At the munch, Denver was busy having fun and talking to everyone. They didn’t neglect me, but…they’re way more extroverted than I am, and I was content to just sit and watch them charm the pants off everyone there.

But Graeme was there, and while he talked to anyone who came up to him, he didn’t make the first move. He talked to me though. Quiet he may be, but the longer we sat together, the more open he became, and some of his walls came down.

His dry sarcasm was a surprise, but then, I remember meeting his son a few weeks ago, and saw how they treated one another. It was fun and relaxed in a way I never would have been with my own parents. If I even dared to try to joke around with them the way Callum did with Graeme that day, I would have gotten a lecture about how they’re my parents, not my friends.

Having some of that teasing wit aimed at me from Graeme was… It was exactly what I needed when I was surrounded by people I didn’t know.

Tension eases from my shoulders as those memories of the other day help lessen the worry that’s been churning inside me since I woke up this morning.

“Luka? Do I need to call 911? Or an exorcist? Your mother?”

Val’s worried tone has me spinning around to face them. “What? Are you okay?”

They stare at me incredulously before rolling their eyes. “Are you okay? Did you have a stroke or something?”

“No, I was just thinking. And even if I did, please don’t ever call my mother. Just send her the death notice.”

Val laughs. “I’ll leave that up to Jordan.”

“Oooh, you’re evil.” I chuckle. “Sorry if I spaced out on you. I was just thinking about today, and I’m a bit nervous. You’re right, Denver and I are friends, and have been hanging out every spare moment we can. I just…I like them, Val. More than I’ve liked anyone in a long while.”

Valery’s dark eyes go wide and their mouth drops open a little. “Really? I mean, I hoped you two would get along, but I didn’t expect this turn of events.”

It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s still very, very new, if anything at all. I don’t know... I just don’t want to mess things up.”

“Just be yourself. I know your sense of self is rather…discouraging, but you’re a great person, Luka. Kind and sweet, and maybe a little shy, but it’s endearing. If Den can see all that, then they deserve a chance.”

I give Valery what I hope is a genuine smile, their words filling the hurt parts of me. “Thanks. Now, you sure I look okay?”

Val sighs and tosses themself backwards onto the bed. “You look fucking adorable. I’d do you, if, you know, it weren’t for the whole almost-cousin thing.”

I laugh, my chest lightening at their words. “You’re a dork, but okay, I guess I’m ready.”

“Good. Have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Is there anything you wouldn’t do?” I ask, tilting my head as I stare at them.

Valery sits up and grins. “Nope. Which means, have all the fun. Do you need condoms?”

My face flames and I have to look away from Val’s wide-eyed, too-knowing gaze. “Uh, no, I’m covered. I mean…” Covering my face with my hands, I take a few deep breaths. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m an adult who knows how to navigate all of…that,” I mutter into my palms.

Val giggles. “Just making sure. I know you don’t date often, and sometimes people don’t think about it. Even though I’m sure Denver is prepared, it’s always better for all parties involved to be as well.”

“Jesus fuck,” I utter, completely embarrassed now. Uncovering my face, I stare at Valery. “I appreciate you for being helpful, but please, stop talking.”

“Fine, fine. Are you ready? What time are you meeting them?”

Giving myself one last once over, I decide I’ll have to trust Valery’s assessment of me. Denver hasn’t told me anything except when to be at their apartment, and to wear comfortable clothes for the outdoors. So, I’ve opted for jeans, a T-shirt, and an overshirt with the sleeves rolled up—at Valery’s insistence.

My hair’s doing weird things, but I’m pretty sure I’ve managed to make it look “artfully messy”, versus the “I have a mind of my own” look I was sporting. I also lathered on the sunscreen, because it may be fall now, but the sun’s still out, and that means I run the risk of burning. Even after all these years, I still get annoyed at how none of my siblings have the stereotypical redheaded curse. I just happen to be the unlucky one.

Making sure to stuff a travel sized bottle of sunscreen into my pocket is a habit I don’t think I’ll ever break. Unless I move to Antarctica or something, and even then, the sun will find a way.

“I’ll see you later,” I say, double checking I have everything I need.

“Have fun! Only put out if they take you somewhere nice! You’re not a cheap date!” Valery calls out as I leave them laying on my bed.

The deCordova Sculpture Park is a fascinating place. Art isn’t really my thing, but this is different. All the sculptures are unique and interesting to look at. That they’re spread out around the park means we also get to view the gorgeous grounds, and take our time moving from sculpture to sculpture. There’s a museum on the grounds as well, that Denver explained houses more contemporary exhibits that we can visit another time, but for today, the three of us are just wandering around outside.

Denver packed a picnic, and we’ve spread out a blanket between a few trees to enjoy the scenery.

“This is nice,” Graeme says, stretching his long legs out as he leans back on his hands. “I haven’t been here since Callum was little. I’ll have to suggest it for his art assignment.”

“I love it. There’s always something interesting to look at,” Denver replies. “I’m glad you came with us.”

“Me too.”

Graeme looks at me. “You sure I’m not crashing your date? I feel bad, but Denver assured me it wasn’t a date, and well…” He shrugs a little. “Maybe I’m too old and out of practice, but this sure as hell feels like a date to me.”

I shake my head. “You’re not. At all, promise. And well…maybe it is.” I look to Denver, who’s watching both of us carefully, a worried look on their face as they bite their lower lip.

Moving closer to Graeme, I set a hand on his leg, trying to go for reassuring. “I’m glad you’re here. I know Denver and you talked… I don’t know how much they told you about us.” I motion between Denver and me. “But what we’re building, and what the two of you are building, don’t have to be so separate.” I hesitate, but decide fuck it , it’s best to get it all out there, rather than potentially be hurt because I was too chickenshit to speak up. “I don’t know how any of this works. My track record with relationships isn’t good, nor is it extensive, but I think I’d feel…hurt if I didn’t know what was going on.

“I trust Denver, but we’re still getting to know one another. You’re something unexpected.” I smile a little, trying to ease the distress I can see in the corners of Graeme’s eyes and mouth. “In a good way, I think. We don’t know each other, pretty much at all. But Denver trusts you, and has spent years getting to know the type of person you are. I don’t think they’d allow either of us to get caught up with someone who wasn’t good at their core.”

“You flatter me,” Denver says quietly. “But you’re right.”

Skepticism etches across Graeme’s face, but after a moment, he seems to relax a bit. “If you’re sure I’m not ruining anything.”

“Positive.” I smile at him.

Graeme shifts and I remove my hand from him, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

“You can touch me,” he says. “I might be a little touch-starved.” He flushes slightly, his eyes going wide at that confession. “God, just ignore me. There’s a reason I don’t get out much.”

I laugh. “It’s fine. I understand.” Setting my hand on his, I say, “I’m a bit touch-starved as well.”

Denver groans. “God, you two make me want to wrap you up and keep you in my apartment until I can fill you both with adequate love.”

All three of us laugh as their words sink in, and how wrong the meaning could be.

Denver shakes their head and leans over, planting a kiss on my smiling lips. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.”

I squint at them. “You sure? Sounded like you did to me.”

Denver huffs and looks to Graeme. “You got a smartass comment for me?”

Graeme smirks. “I mean, Rory made sure I had condoms, so…”

I laugh and Denver sighs but leans into Graeme and presses their lips together for a quick kiss.

My breath catches in my throat as Graeme moves his hand up to gently thread his fingers through Denver’s honey blond hair. The next kiss they share is slow, tasting, testing, figuring out what the other likes.

I’m not a jealous person by nature, but if asked, I would have told you that seeing the person I’m interested in kissing someone else was on my no-go list. I’m now learning that would have been the wrong answer.

Watching Graeme and Denver together is…intimate. Both of them are gentle with the other, and seeing the care and consideration makes my heart pound as my stomach swoops.

It should be awkward, and in a lot of ways it is, but not because I’m upset or jealous. No…I just don’t want to be on the outside of things.

When they break apart, I reach over and grip Denver’s chin in my hand. They give me a considering look, but I don’t give them time to ask questions, or to assess whatever emotions are showing on my face. I swoop in and kiss them, long and hard.

Denver groans against my mouth and I drink the sound down, kissing them like I’ve never kissed another person before—passionately and full of things I don’t quite understand yet.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless.

“Wow,” Graeme says.

“Yeah,” I agree.

“Thank you for inviting me,” Graeme says, leaning against his car. “I had a nice time with you both.”

Denver squeezes his hand. “I’m glad you could make it. We’ll have to do this again. I think it went well.”

Graeme looks between the two of us and smiles, his soft blue eyes lighting up. “I’d like that.”

Reaching for his other hand, I thread my fingers through his, giving him a shy smile. “Me too.”

Graeme leans in and places a cheek on my cheek, making me flush as butterflies erupt in my lower belly. He turns to Denver and gives them the same treatment.

Denver brushes their lips against his and we reluctantly let Graeme get into his car. With one last wave, we make our way over to Denver’s car.

“Want to hang out some more?” Denver asks. “Or do you have to work tomorrow?”

“I’m off, and I’d love to extend our time together.”

The grin they give is full of promise.