Scott's POV
"We're going to get food! Be back in a little bit!" I yelled as Mitch and I hopped off the bus. We were going to the Chick-fil-a down the street. We knew everyone's order by heart and it scares me how much the group and Esther can eat. I mean, Mitch, Kristie and Esther eat like cute, little pigs when it comes to Chick-fil-a. Kevin and I eat more than they do but nobody eats more than Avi, nobody. You have no idea how excited I was when he came out as bi. I know I just got out of a relationship but, Avi is a gentleman and I know that if I asked him to wait until I was ready for another relationship, he would wait forever if he had to. I knew I liked him form the start. At first I was like, "OH HELLO GORGEOUS!", and after that, my feelings grew. Too bad he was straight. Now I have a chance with him. I really have to calm down or I will go as crazy as the Chair Girls. I really wish I could be the Chair Girl, just once. I know how cheesy that is but, oh well. He is a cheesy person.
"Scott! We're here." Mitch said, slightly annoyed I was zoned out the whole walk here.
"Sorry." I reliped, still thinking about him.
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Mr. Perfect when he starves." He sassed back, knowing I was thinking about Avi.
"Shut up and order." I said defensively.
"No she looks mean, you talk." He said, obviously talking about the slightly older cashier. Wimp.
"Fine." I said beforing steping up and placing our order. After paying for the food, we went and sat down at a table to wait.
"You know who she reminds me of? Roz, from Mosters Inc." I said and he responded with a long laughing session that ended in him crying. After that, we sat in a comfortable silence until Mitch spoke up.
"Spill. I know you've been thinking about him, just get it all out now before we go back and you end up saying something stupid to scare him off. You know he doesn't talk at all unless he feels comfortable. If you go back all awkward and wrapped up your thoughts, he'll feel awkward and shut everybody out. If you really like him, which I know as a fact you do, you'd want him to feel safe around you. We don't even know if likes anybody. I think he does and it damn sure it ain't me." He said matter of factly. We both knew he was right.
"Fine." I paused to collect my thoughts. "I really like him. I have for a long time. I tried to move on because I knew I didn't have a chance with him. Now that I know he likes girls and guys, my feelings have come back stronger than before. I don't even know if he likes me. I mean, why would he. I'm just a skinny man child that didn't even finish collage. He was an opera major. He maybe shorter than me but he is older and stronger. He's perfect and I'm just, average. He is smart and kind. I did okay in school and can only hope to be half as kind as he is. He is so gentle and still manages to be strong at the same time. I'm just a giraffe that steps on everybody toes. How could he ever like somebody like me?" I say getting agitated.
"He is everything you say he is but you, are so much better than you give yourself credit for. You are smart. You come up with the coolest stuff during arrangements. The only reason you didn't finish collage is for the Sing Off and you've been wanting to finish your degree online but, that's really hard during tour. We all know how hard you try. I know he sees that. Who is always the first to complement you after a show or writing session? Avi. Who tried to stay with you while you were sick in Germany? Avi did. Of course that was before Esther put you on total lockdown. You are really sweet too. You just don't know how to show it most of the time. That's why I wanted you to get your thoughts out now because, you are a giraffe, but you don't step on everyone's toes. You trip on your own feet trying to stay out of everyone's way. He is more like a turtle. Slow and steady. That's how he figured all of this out. He is still trying to figure everything out. If you move too fast towards him, he imeaditely closes up in his shell and hides until he feels comfortable to come back out. Every time he gets pushed in, he comes back out more scared and less trusting. As you say, he is really gentle and strong but, that also means you have to be equally as gentle to him and show him that he doesn't have to go through everything alone. He can only be so strong. He needs someone there constantly. He has us and Esther but, I honestly thinks he just wants one person he can talk to before he commits to anything. We both know that's how he works. He dips his toes in the water before backing up and running in full speed. Just give him time and watch. He might like you. We won't know if he likes you until long after he does. You just need to give him time." He said squeezing my hand reassuringly.
I simply responded with a nod of my head while I took in everything he just said. Who knew he could be so wise? I thought everything over until our order number was called. We walked back to the bus in silence. I decided to wait and watch Avi then decide where to go from there. He really does mean a lot to me, even though he doesn't know it. For now, I'm just going to enjoy my chicken. That sounds and tastes like a good plan to me. Let's just see what happens.
