Robert and gavi

Chapter 6

A bit of luck occurred that day. First, Pedri had to stay late for his internship. Then, as Gavi paced nervously back and forth in the kitchen with a microwave dinner ready for Pedri, he received a message that Pedri and his coworkers were going out to celebrate a birthday. Gavi slumped into the nearest chair, relieved as he ate subpar lasagna at the kitchen table by himself. He didn't have to face his boyfriend and be all shifty about having to lie to him.

Pedri came home just after midnight when Gavi was already in bed, pretending to sleep.

Pedri climbed into bed and clung to Gavi like he was his own personal teddy bear, both spooning him and wrapping his limbs around him. He didn't even bother to change out of his work clothes. Without facing him, Gavi could tell he was a bit drunk.

"I missed you so much, my little angel," Pedri muffled into the back of his neck, dotting his bare skin with kisses. "You left me all alone last night."

"I was all alone too," Gavi complained. "Sleeping on an awful futon."

"What? That's horrible. You should've squeezed into your sister's bed or your parents' bed."

"I'm not a baby," Gavi complained. He struggled a little against Pedri's embrace. He was like a boa constrictor. At least Gavi's back was to him so he didn't have to meet his eye.

"You're my baby," Pedri whispered in his ear. "Let's make love tonight."

"Umm," Gavi stalled, trying to think of an excuse. But no sooner did he register his hesitation than he felt Pedri's steady breathing and slight snore. He was out.

His boyfriend really was such a lightweight.

The next morning, Gavi pretended to sleep in so he wouldn't have to face Pedri. He heard the sounds of Pedri's morning routine: a shower, coffee machine percolating, the opening and closing of drawers and closets to get his outfit. He kissed Gavi's forehead, then nose, then cheek. "You're a lazy little sloth these days," Pedri said affectionately. "I'll be home by 6, okay? I'll call you during the day. Love you, baby."

"Mmm," Gavi responded, feigning a half-awake state.

The second the front door closed, Gavi shot up in bed and ran to the shower. He was meeting Robert around mid-day. His schedule varied depending on his client's sessions. Gavi got dressed in an old gray t-shirt and navy blue shorts, hoping for an effortless look. He tried not to think about how he was cheating on Pedri again.

Robert glanced over as Gavi buckled himself into the passenger seat. "Hi," he greeted. Robert was wearing a white shirt today, along with dark jeans. He looked so good, always making Gavi's heart flip whenever he saw him anew.

He was glad that Robert wasn't as reticent as the first time he picked him up. "Hi," he said back.

"So, how are you?"

"I think I'm going insane," Gavi said. He explained how he hadn't had a chance to face Pedri yet and the guilt was killing him. "Be honest. Do you think I'm making a mistake?"

Robert faced the road, heading along the route to his apartment. "To be honest, I'm just thinking with my dick right now," Robert said, speeding through an almost-red light.

Gavi sighed. "You're in your mid-thirties. You should be a responsible adult. You should not be driving me to your place to fuck me again."

"Yeah? Should I turn this car around?"

"Don't," Gavi said, glancing down at Robert's crotch.

He needed that dick again.

Robert drove on. Music played over the speaker. Gavi gazed onto the street, taking in a passing glance at a guy and girl holding hands and looking happy. He decided to needle Robert even further. "Tell me why you're seeing me again if your husband doesn't like it? Don't you have some kind of rules in your open relationship? Am I on a blacklist now?"