Misconstrue

TWENTY-NINE seconds and counting.

"...Emilio's back tonight?" I nod with a hum as Ben places his glass of wine on the coffee table.

It's been a month since my grandmother's death and my subsequent return to work. I knew what people's reactions would be given the fact that this is not the first death I've experienced. I've lost count of the number of pats on the shoulder I've received. Even Dr. O'Connell is being weirdly nice to me. Grief brings a lot of things with it, but one of those things that I absolutely can't stand is the pity.

My grandmother didn't die in a tragic accident. She wasn't murdered. She died naturally and peacefully in her sleep. It would be nice to move on, but I keep getting reminded of her death and it's making me a little irritated.

"You must be excited." I look over at him from my spot on the sofa. 

I've taken refuge in the plush material by sinking myself as deep as the cushion will let me. Dressed in a matching light pink and grey sweatsuit, and a blue fluffy blanket over my legs I'm most comfortable after a long shift at the hospital.

"I'm pretty sure I don't look excited."

Ben rolls his eyes then turns to face me. The TV show we've been watching is now forgotten. "C'mon B, he's been gone for three days. I'm sure you miss him."

I nod. "I do." I meet Ben's eyes. "What aren't you saying?"

He sighs softly. "I had the unfortunate opportunity of walking in on you two the last time he was here." My eyes widen. "That goodbye kiss?"

"Oh, god!" I cover my ears.

"It was steamy." Ben fans himself. "It's almost like Emilio was trying to eat your face."

"Please stop!"

"He stuck his hand into your shorts, didn't he?"

I grab the pillow from behind my head and throw it at him. "I'm not discussing this."

He laughs. "Put on something sexy." I roll my eyes. "Oh, that body mist too. I'm sure he'll love it." My roommate and best friend flashes me a cheeky wink as he stands. "I'll wear my earplugs tonight."

I grimace. "You're awful!"

He laughs then heads to the kitchen, leaving me with spiraling thoughts about doing the do with Emilio. This is my first meaningful relationship with another man, and I have had my own sexual experiences, but for some reason I'm nervous about going all the way with Emilio.

Ben returns to the sofa with two small ice-cream bowls in hand. "Here." I sit up then take the ice-cream from him with thanks. "After this we'll ransack your dressers."

"You are so invested in this." I shiver a bit as the cold ice-cream touches my tongue. "Don't you have a girlfriend somewhere out there to bother?"

Ben chuckles then sigh softly. "Kate and I are on a break."

I flash him a look. "What?" I place the bowl on the table. "Since when?"

Ben groans softly but doesn't take his eyes from the ice-cream bowl. "We got into an argument when you were in Nevis."

"Bro that was weeks ago!" He shrugs. "You should've told me."

He makes a sound then places his ice-cream bowl beside mine. "B, you went home to take care of your dying grandmother. I didn't want to add anything to your plate."

"Still." I exhale. "My life going to shit doesn't mean that I can't be there for you."

He nods. "I wanted to fly to Nevis after receiving your email before your grandmother passed. We've always been there for each other, and I didn't even think twice about putting my life on hold for you. I know you would do the same for me."