Chester thrown in because he's just too effin cute
__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
”Brad!” Rob said, shoving my shoulder roughly.
”Hmm?”
”Shoe store. Come on.” I faked a smile and nodded to him.
He took me to the mall to shop for shoes. More options he said. I have been staring anywhere but at him, hoping to not dissect every little thing he does.
I did think it was a good idea at first, only to quickly realize it would most likely drive me insane. Hoping to forget it all.
Inhale and exhale.
We walk into the store, and I’m greeted with, surprise, shoes. All over the place. And yes, I do hear Rob’s questioning but I’m choosing to pay attention to the shoes. All different types and colors and Rob’s voice is getting louder so I turn and.
Chester.
Coming my way. Dammit. Not what I need right now. Rob casually yet protectively moved to stand in front of me. This makes it slightly harder to ignore him when I’m thinking about pressing against his back to feel him and his warmth I bet he’s warm and all too inviting.
”Hey.”
”Hey.”
And Rob stayed silent.
”Looking for shoes?” Chester asks, and I glance around the store we’re in. We’re surrounded by shoes.
”Um, yes. I need shoes.” Ah, good job Brad.
”What are you looking for?”
”I need a new pair of heels.” Chester grins at my response, and Rob moves to no longer stand in front of me. Well, good call on his part. “I just need… Do you work here, or am I having this discussion on my footwear for no good reason?”
“Yes, I work here.” Ha. And I’m the gay one. I mean, I am gay. But… God I never even shut up in my head. How do people stand me.
”I just need new shoes. Like these.” I point to the ones I have on. “But better.”
Cue Rob’s soft laughter beside me.
”Well, these right here are the same brand. As close to.” He points to my shoes. Har har, very funny. “Those as you’ll get.”
I look over the selection, as Rob and Chester both watch me. I point to ones I can live with.
“Those.” I say, and take off my shoe, holding it out to him. “In this size.”
He stares at the shoe I’m holding out for a moment and heads to the back. I glance to Rob.
”Like ‘em?” I say, making a lame attempt at conversation.
”Yeah.. Are you.. Okay?” Rob asks, looking at me worriedly. I grimace and nod, turning to look away from Rob. I walk to a chair, and have a seat. Rob follows me like a puppy. Which I would love except for right now I really don’t want to be close to him.
I realize I’m still gripping onto the display shoe and hold it up to Rob.
”You like ‘em, huh? Don’t think I should get the black, or blue. You know, I hear green is in right now. Maybe the green ones over there?” And I’m rambling. Rob turns the shoe over in his hand and shakes his head.
”No, I really like these. Pretty much just what you had, yeah?”
I’m too busy staring at Rob and nodding dumbly to notice Chester walks up to us again. I pull on of my shoes off, wanting to try the shoe on and get the hell out of here.
“So what do the lovebirds think of the shoes?”
”Not lovebirds.” I maturely spout out. Much. Too. Tense. Maybe I can convince Rob to give me a massage. Work out this tension.. Fuck. Stop it. Take anger out on Chester. “Do we look like fucking lovebirds?”
“Not at all. I mean. ‘Specially ‘cause Rob’s not gay. Huh Rob?” Chester grins, and gets onto a knee in front of me. Normally this would be a wonderful experience for me. But instead I shove my foot into his face. I grin to him as he begins to put the shoe on me. I’m enjoying this all too much and Chester asked Rob if he was gay and Rob has yet to answer, let’s go back to reality now…
Yes.
This is perfect.
I can be the snotty fag. I turn my attention from Chester on his knee and stare at Rob. Eagerly awaiting his response. Come on Rob. And time to cross my arms. Answer the man. Chester’s grinning behind me, I can feel it. Come on baby. Answer him.
”And it’s your business why?”
GOD. DAMN. IT. Oh, look at me, Mr. Badass Rob. I have to… Okay, I got nothing. But couldn’t he have just said yes or no? Of course not. That would make this all be so simple and no, kissing him now would not be a good idea.
I clear my throat.
Don’t know where that thought came from. I don’t even have two shoes on. Oh and damn it again, I’m missing out on the heated conversation because I’m too busy talking to myself in my head. About Rob. Rob Rob Rob. Take anger out on Rob.
”Rob are you fucking gay or not?”
Oh, bad call. Bad, bad call. Shit.
”I’ll take these.” I say, standing up and grabbing my shoe that sits beside me. Shoving it into the box, I ignore the fact both Rob and Chester are staring at me. I grab the box, and head to the front of the store.
“Um, don’t you want to put the other one on? Or maybe put your old one back on? Or you know, yeah, one of each is cool...” Chester says as he follows me up to the register.
I slam the box onto the counter and start to dig in my pockets for money as Chester rings me up. No money, no money, where did I put my goddamn money. I look up from where I was staring at the ground as Chester tells me the total. An arm reaches past me, holding a credit card out to Chester, which he gladly grabs. I inhale deeply, and look over my shoulder at Rob. His face shows no emotion.
”Happy early birthday.” He says, also without emotion. I look back to Chester, and he’s just staring at me blankly. I move out of the way to let Rob sign the receipt.
I have a birthday in 3 days. How do you forget that?
I also happen to be the biggest asshole on the planet. That is something I remember.
Chester slips the box into a bag, which I grab before turning to face Rob.
”Thank you..”
And we stare at one another. Chester mumbles a quick have a good day and hurried away.
Rob turns to leave the store, and now I’m following him like a lost puppy.
I don’t think I know how to make things right this time…
