The Boss (boyxman)

Chapter 15

It's been a few days since the kiss. Neither Greyson nor Nathan talks about it further. It's like it never happened. Things aren't been awkward. But, it's not going forward either.

Nathan still hanging out with the boy. They cuddle and laughs over small things. However, when he comes home, the call comes to his mind. His instinct still saying that it's Nadeem. But nothing can be sure. It's just once. It could be a wrong number.

Nathan closes his locker. He sighs. Brendan talking non stop beside him. He couldn't focus on it anymore. The topic keeps changing. From a hook up to a dog.

"So, let's go!"

Nathan blinks at his best friend. "Let's go?"

"Yeah." Brendan wears his jacket. "To dinner."

"Wait..." Nathan frown. "I never agree to go to dinner with you."

Brendan rolls his eyes. "So, are you saying you don't have time for your best friend anymore?"

"You know that's not—"

"Nate..." Brendan cuts him off. "The last time we hang out was two months ago on our payday."

Is it? Nathan tries to recall everything. Is it true? Two months ago?!

"Whenever I asked you to go to a club with me you keep declining." Brendan closes his locker. "I couldn't even take you to dinner. You're already gone before I could."

Nathan opens his mouth to say something but nothing can come out. He just realized it. He spent too much time with Greyson. After his shift, he will go either to the club or the boy's house.

"Now you need to come with me." Brendan grabs Nathan's hand and starts walking.

Nathan couldn't refuse. He needs to spend time with other people too. He just sent Greyson a quick message saying he wouldn't be coming tonight. And yes. They've already promised to spend time together. It's like a routine now.

"Get ready." Brendan smirk. "Our dinner would be fancy."

"Wait—are we going to that restaurant again?"

"Which one?" Brendan frown.

Nathan rolls his eyes. "It's not like we've been to any other restaurant. It's the only fancy place we've been to."

Brendan laughs. "No. Not that one."

Nathan let out a breath of relief. That restaurant was the last place he met Nadeem. He doesn't want to have that encounter ever again. He's doing well now. And he doesn't want to ruin it.

Just as Brendan said, they're ended up in a different restaurant. Nathan couldn't help but be amazed at how can his friend got all those coupons. But knowing that his housemate is a food critic, it all makes sense.

"Where have you been all this time, Nate?"

Nathan glance at Brendan after finished eating his food. "What do you mean? I'm just here."

"I mean after work." Brendan takes a napkin and wipes his mouth. "Do you have a boyfriend now?"

Nathan almost chokes out his saliva. Boyfriend? No, Greyson is not his boyfriend. But they acted like one. They're spending time together feels like a routine. However, when he think again, it's more like a need for them. No one plans anything. But they seem to know where they're gonna be.

Up until now, Nathan is still not sure how he feels about Greyson or how that boy feels about him. One thing is for sure, he just needs to forget about the boss. People would say Greyson is a rebound. But, Nathan still not saying anything about what he wants from it.

"No, I don't."

And that's how it is. Deep down, Nathan knows he's not ready for a relationship.

Brendan raises his brow. "That's bullshit but I'll accept it."

Nathan rolls his eyes. Just right he's about to open his mouth to reply, his eyes caught something. Or more accurately, someone. His day couldn't go any worse than this. Nadeem standing there, staring at him with a girl wrapped around his hand. The same girl from the last time they met. It's his wife.

When he was relieved that it's not the same restaurant as before so they couldn't meet, now, he feels like he won't go to any fancy restaurant after this. It feels like a curse. He's not prepared to meet Nadeem again. Not when he's already doing good. Or that was he told himself.

Nathan tries to ignore him. But the pain start coming in. He could be that woman. He could be the one wrapping around Nadeem's hand. But he feels so cheap thinking like that. Thinking he deserves to be the mistress.

"Excuse me. I need to go to the toilet."

Brendan is too busy to notice anything. He just nods while focusing on his phone.

Nathan walks away after Nadeem was nowhere to be seen. He just needs a moment. He needs to tell himself that he deserves better. He wash himself a few times. Trying to control the pain. He could be crying anytime. But, he knows better how to act like he's not going to.

The sound of the door opening made him let out a curse. He knows what's coming. It's not like it won't happen. Nadeem standing there looking at him. How could he not? They're in the same restaurant. So, Nathan knows better that if he doesn't want to meet the boss, he shouldn't be alone.

"Hey."

Nathan turns to look at the man. He swear he could fly his fist right away. But he doesn't want to look like a crazy person that couldn't move on. "Eating a romantic dinner with your lovely wife?"

Ouch. That sting on Nadeem's part. But he knows he deserves it. "I want to know how are you doing?"

Nathan laughs dryly. He tries to avoid looking at the boss. How could he still stay so handsome even though he looks like a mess? "Me? Oh, I'm good. I'm doing better actually."

Nadeem just stares at him like he couldn't believe the answer.

"You don't have to worry." Nathan grabbed the paper towel and wipe his hand roughly. "I have a life that still goes on. I met nice people. So..." He glances at Nadeem. "Continue with your own life."

With that, he starts walking away but Nadeem moves faster. He grabbed the boy's arm without looking at him. His warm breath and strong grip already making Nathan's heart goes wild.

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I never meant this to happen. I never meant to heart you at all."

Nathan walks away immediately after saying, "You did it anyway."