Burned at Both Ends

5. One Nightmare After Another

Saturday
10:35pm.
Pennsylvania

I opened the door to my apartment and stepped in.
The first thing I saw was Dexter sitting on the windowsill staring at me.

I set down my bags and walked over to him.
He hissed at me, but once I turned the light switch on, he realized who I was.

"Yeah, it's me. Silly," I said, scratching his head. "I missed you."

He meowed and put his paw over my hand.

"I can see you missed me too," I chuckled.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled in out to see a text from Ryan.

So are we not talking anymore?

I sighed and set my phone down.
I really didn't know how to feel about what happened.
I kissed my best friend. I kissed the guy I like.
I kissed a guy. Even with my sexuality, that was hard for me to believe.

My phone vibrated again.

Ricky. Please don't ignore me.

I looked back at Dexter who was staring at me.

"Don't give me that look." I muttered.

I texted Ryan back.

11:00pm.

"So what was up with that whole situation?" Ryan asked as I let him into my apartment.

"What situation?" I asked.

"Ignoring me." He said, sitting on the couch.

"Ryan-"

"Ricky. You know I really do like you. So I'd really appreciate if you didn't ignore me next time I kiss you." He said.

"Next time?" I raised an eyebrow. "Who said there would be a next time?"

He didn't say anything.

"Fuck, Ryan, I didn't mean it like that." I said. "I'm sorry."

He stayed silent.

I started walking towards him, and he stood up.

"Ryan, I didn't mean-"

He grabbed my wrists and practically smashed his lips against mine, pinning me against the nearest wall.

It was unexpected, but I sure as hell didn't have a problem with it.

After a minute, Ryan pulled away and looked down.

Dexter was lightly pawing at his leg and looking up at him.

Ryan chuckled and looked back up at me.

"Sorry about him," I muttered.

"It's okay." Ryan said.

12:45am.

"Okay, gimme the notebook," Ryan said.

I clicked the pen and tossed the notebook to him.

He caught it and started reading over the lyrics.

"Damn, this is great." He said. "You should sing it for me," He suggested, grinning.

I chuckled nervously. "We both know I can't sing for shit."

"Liar. Wanna know something?"

"What?" I asked.

"I think you sing better than Chris." He said. "But don't tell him that."