WE STAYED LATE.Eric joined us after his shift, when the kitchen closed. Because we were sitting at the bar, we could stay for a quick nightcap.
We shouldn’t have.
“We should call a taxi,” Jake says, pulling his phone from his pocket. “I don’t think any of us are in a state to drive. Except Mila who, as far as I know, has forgotten to renew her license.”
Mila shrugs. She’s never been a great driver; it makes her anxious, so she only does it when it’s absolutely necessary. But her license expired two months ago, and I don’t think we should risk it.
“Why don’t we walk back to your place?” Eric suggests, meaning Mila and I. “Jake and I can split a taxi from there. We’re going in the same direction, after all.”
“I wouldn’t mind getting some air,” I say. I’m not used to drinking so much, but the company was nice; especially with Eric sitting beside me at the bar, casting me looks which could only have meant trouble and forbidden fantasies. I didn’t want the evening to end. I wanted to dream for a little longer.
“Whatever,” Jake says, slipping his phone back into his pocket before offering Mila his arm. The two of them walk down the pavement. Eric and I share a complicit glance, following a few paces behind.
“Are they as close friends as you two are?” he asks, nodding towards the pair in front of us.
“Jake’s family.”
I link my arm with his in an attempt to get closer, and Eric studies me.
“It’s cold,” I say, justifying myself.
He smiles, casting his gaze back in front of us.
“It’s been a nice evening.” I probably shouldn’t be so honest. But I haven’t said anything bad, just the truth. And we weren’t even alone.
“One of the best nights I’ve had in a while,” Eric responds, and a pinch of sadness pulses through him and into me. “I don’t go out much,” he says. “With friends.”
“But with guys…”
He smiles. “Not as often as you think.”
“I don’t think anything, but… Just from looking at you…”
He furrows his brow.
“Well, you’re a pleasant-looking guy.”
Eric laughs. He’s as beautiful as this night, as the streetlights glimmering in the city around us.
“Pleasant-looking… I’ve not heard that before.”
“I’m guessing you hear a lot of other compliments.”
His smile deepens.
“It’s not wise to feel so comfortable around your fake boyfriend, is it?”
“I think I’m too drunk to try to work out what you mean.”
I smile, then look at him. The Christmas lights are still on around us, even though it’s the dead of night. He’s more beautiful and impossible than anything I’ve ever seen.
“Thanks for tonight, and for what you did for Mila.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“We’re here,” I say, sadly.
We were just starting to understand each other, to feel comfortable like this, in the company of each other’s breath, in this night that brings no advice, but only inappropriate thoughts and unachievable dreams.
