The weekend flies by in a blur. My two shifts at the Tech Office over the weekend and the tutoring sessions help keep my mind off things. Kieran helps too. Alice has been giving us space so we can process everything together, but we've been putting the conversation off. We don't want the honeymoon phase of our relationship to be hindered by all this stuff going on with my family.
I had met up with Zack on Saturday to let him know I couldn't tutor him anymore. I tried to do it via text instead, but he insisted that we meet up if I was going to "break up with him". I had rolled my eyes extensively and so did Kieran, making an exception to his rule.
"I have a boyfriend and the things you're saying to me are inappropriate. I was your tutor and I asked you to stop. It may seem like harmless flirting, but I don't want to mess my relationship up and I didn't ask for it. I think it's best if you get another tutor." I brush my hair behind my ear and look at the floor.
I'd never really had a confrontation like this before and it does feel a little like a break-up. Which is completely ridiculous.
My eyes move discreetly to my left, where Kieran is sitting a few tables away inside the coffee shop. He's tapping his foot under the table, and I see an annoyed look on his face when I look up. He insisted on being here during this embarrassing conversation.
"So, he finally had the guts to make it official, huh?" Zack smirks in my direction when I finally bring my eyes to him. "Lucky guy. I get it. I'm sorry that I made you uncomfortable. You just bring it out of me, I guess."
He brings a hand behind his head, scratching slightly in a nervous gesture. I can't help but notice his shirt rising slightly and I get a peek at his tanned stomach. That, mixed with the way his green eyes are boring into me, makes my face heat slightly.
"Well, hopefully things work out for you guys." He starts to get up from his seat, and I follow.
I nod quickly and offer a small smile. He leans in and I think he's going to hug me, so I stick my hand out to dodge it. At the same time, I notice Kieran stand abruptly from the corner of my eye. He's ready to pounce.
Zack awkwardly looks down at my hand and takes it softly at first, and then pulls me to him quickly. "If it doesn't, you know my number," he says with a wink.
The heat makes its way up my arm, and I inwardly groan, mad at myself for having any sort of reaction to his touch. His arrogance is annoying but he somehow still gets a reaction from me. He gives me one more of his signature smirks before letting me go and leaving the coffee shop. Damn him for being so unfairly attractive.
Kieran is at my side in a second, his hand on my lower back.
"Now I really don't like that guy. The way he looks at you makes me want to punch his face."
"Wow, you're looking a little green there," I laugh as I lean into his side. "It's over now. Put your fists away."
And that was the end of that. Kieran was upset for all of twenty minutes after that until we got back to my apartment, and I gave him a reason to not be so mad anymore.
Now, as I finish classes on Monday, I'm starting to realize keeping busy is only going to get me so far. I take my cellphone out on the walk back home, dialing Alice.
"Hey, lady. You up for having some 'us time' tonight?"
"Yes, please. Is Kieran going to be mad?"
I giggle and then sigh. "He'll live, I think. He knows how much I miss you."
"Good. Last thing I need is him mad at me for stealing you away. Though, let's admit, he stole you first." Alice grumbles the last part which causes me to laugh.
"I know, I'm sorry. That's why tonight is our night. I'll be home in about ten minutes."
"Awesome. I have one more class and then I'll be home!" Alice hangs up and I continue my trek to the apartment.
I send Kieran a quick text as I walk.
Me: I want to spend some time with Alice tonight since I haven't seen her much. I'll miss you, but I think I owe her this much. :)
Kieran: I agree. I'll miss you too, but she needs some quality Gem time. I can understand that. Call me before you go to bed, though?
Me: Sure thing, Mr. Clingy.
Kieran: What happened to Mr. Mysterious? I think I like that better.
Me: Your name changes often. Mr. Clingy is the most relevant right now.
Kieran. :(
Me: I enjoy it, don't worry. ;)
Kieran: Good. I need to make sure I'm doing this whole "boyfriend" thing right.
Me: You're doing great.
--
Alice gets home from class, and we immediately find ourselves on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy in our pajamas with snacks.
"McDreamy is so much better than McSteamy," Alice argues, though it's pointless since I agree with her.
"I know. You say this all the time and I tell you I agree, but then you still make it a debate."
"This is my favorite debate of all time and as much as I love that you are on the same page, it makes things a bit boring." She munches on some Cheetos, the crunching excruciatingly loud.
I also have an issue with hearing people eat. I'm just a peach to be around.
Alice turns to me after setting her bag of chips on the coffee table. "So can we talk about the mind-blowing sex you're having?"
I begin to choke on my popcorn, a kernel getting stuck in the back of my throat. I cough harshly and take a sip of my diet soda, desperately trying to bring air back into my lungs.
"Um, no?" I say, setting the can back onto the table.
"Come on, Gemma! I need to live vicariously through you. I can start another sexting conversation if you really want me to..." she trails off and I roll my eyes. "Please. I will literally beg."
"As funny as that would be, I'd rather you keep some of your dignity." I sigh, "What do you want to know?"
"Everything." I roll my eyes, giving in.
"Well, it's incredible. I didn't know what I was missing to be honest. He's been with a lot of people though, so it's been a little intimidating."
"Oh, stop. I see the way he looks at you. He isn't thinking of anyone else, and I know the sex is good. You both look like you're on cloud nine afterwards."
"Alice!" I slap her arm and I laugh.
"Seriously. I bet the experience helps you out though. He's that good, huh?"
"Yes. I also didn't realize how...dirty...I can be in bed." My face blushes deep red as Alice cackles.
"Jesus, Gemma. I love this so much. Do you call him 'daddy'?
"No!" I flush more if that's even possible. "Too many issues in that department for me. And I don't want to talk about that."
"Gotcha. But seriously. Tell me more."
"I don't know what else to say!"
How am I supposed to tell her how good it feels when Kieran smacks my ass, talks sexily in my ear, and loves on my curves? I don't want to get too graphic.
I look up from my lap to see Alice's eyes wide, a shit-eating grin on her face.
"Please don't tell me I just said all of that out loud? Holy shit."
She nods enthusiastically.
I really need to work on that.
--
Alice and I spend hours talking after the conversation about Kieran. Other than the sex, we talk about how our relationship is going. I tell her all about his cuteness and how thoughtful he is. She looks like she wants to bite my head off and tells me how jealous she is, then says how happy she is for me.
We also talk about other random stuff going on in our lives. She has been going out and finding random boys to make-out with. Other than that, not much has been going on with her. Just class and studying, which is the usual.
As midnight approaches, we decide to go our separate ways, both having class in the morning. I curse to myself when I get back to my room where my phone is charging on the nightstand, seeing a few texts from Kieran wondering if I'm okay.
Kieran: I hope you're having a good night. My roommate is making me spend time with him aka watching him play video games. This is why I don't have friends.
I frown at his mention of not having any friends. He told me he hasn't really had anyone other than acquaintances or work friends for all of this time since Jillian passed, not wanting to let anyone know him. It makes me sad for a moment until I read the rest of the text messages.
Kieran: Thinking of you. Still watching Brian play video games.
Kieran: I miss you.
Kieran: Now I see why my name is Mr. Clingy. I'll accept this name change for now.
Kieran: It's getting late, and I haven't heard from you, so I hope you're okay. I'm guessing your phone is charging and you're talking to Alice about our amazing sex. ;)
Kieran: Okay, that was a joke. Still call me before bed if you can. Doesn't matter the time.
I laugh at his multiple text messages. He really is clingy, and I'm loving it. I sit down in bed as I dial his number, burying myself in the covers.
"Gem?" His rough, low voice sings in my ear.
"Hi, Mr. Clingy." I sigh, feeling better just hearing his voice. I'm so fucked.
He chuckles and I can imagine him rubbing the sleep from his face.
"Sorry it's so late. Alice and I were really getting into the details of our amazing sex. She's very jealous of your stamina."
Kieran full-on laughs now.
"Kieran, I wish I was kidding." I laugh along with him and then stifle a yawn.
"Tired?" He asks.
"Yeah. But I miss you. I didn't realize how much I got used to you sleeping in my bed with me."
My confession makes me feel vulnerable.
"I know the feeling. It took me a long time to get to sleep. I sat here, staring at the ceiling for a couple of hours before I gave in and snuggled one of your sweatshirts that you left here."
I'm silent, shocked. Guys do stuff like that, too?
"Are you judging me?" His voice is soft and low, genuinely embarrassed.
"Not at all. Just surprised. It's really cute."
"You call me cute too much. I need to start earning some masculinity points back."
"No toxic masculinity is allowed in this relationship, Kieran. You're incredible just how you are, so please don't change."
I practically hear the smile in Kieran's voice as he responds.
"I promise I won't," and then he turns serious, "and I know how much promises mean to you. I'll try not to let you down."
"I know," I breathe. "Goodnight, Kieran."
"Goodnight, Gem."