Noah & Navid

Chapter 53 - Can't Buy Me Persian

The guests had arrived en masse. The living room and front room were filled with twenty or so guys of varying ages and ethnicities.

Mark and Allen were floating between everyone making happy conversation. Allen saw us with the trays and came to show us where he wanted them.

"Is everything ok?" Allen asked me. "I didn't want to leave you in there with him, but you seemed like you wanted to talk to him."

Navid set the trays down and I heard a small growl escape his chest. He didn't want the hosts, the potential clients, hearing about their troubles. It wouldn't instill confidence in their business.

"Yes, it is fine. Mike wasn't feeling well, but he's better now," Navid assured with a fake smile.

"Good! Mark was looking for you," Allen said to Navid.

Navid kissed my cheek and disappeared into the crowd. I followed Allen to where he wanted the vegetables. He pointed to a small table, but said he had a cloth to set under it. He went to get it while I waited and held the tray like a catering waiter.

"Cucumbers!" a voice said from my side. I turned to see a guy about my size. He was staring me down with his lips turned up into a coy smirk.

He was a handsome Asian guy about my age with eyes that I couldn't help but admire. They were brown and oversized with long lashes that gave him a Disney character quality. He was an inch taller than me and nearly as thin. He had on a tight black v-neck shirt that showed decent definition with a hint of point to his nipples.

"I made them!" I said, not sure why my voice sounded so flirty. His eyes lit up at my interest.

"I always thought they just grew in the ground," he laughed. "But you're cute so ok."

"Oh, yes. I mean... I didn't MAKE them, but I... um... cut them. It was a lot of work," I stumbled and blushed.

He took a few slices of cucumber off the tray and ignored the hummus. He chewed them with raised eyebrows like they were a newfound delicacy.

"Not bad. You make good cucumbers. I'll have to get your business card. I see big things for you in the chef world! I'm Ryan, by the way." he said and moved in closer.

Allen returned with the cloth and set it on the table. I handed him the tray and looked around for Navid. I had a sudden feeling of guilt for talking to someone I found attractive. Allen set the tray down and then walked off.

With my hands suddenly free, Ryan moved in closer to me. I backed up a step, but hit the wall. I jumped slightly from surprise and got another laugh from him.

"I'm No... oah. Noah," I said.

The slight knot of guilt began to grow larger in me. It wasn't like me to talk to strangers, but something about him just clicked.

"I've seen you before somewhere. I remember staring at those eyes before somewhere. You go to Tarzana?" Ryan asked.

"Yes! You too? I used to go to the lgbt group," I said.

"Small world... I should have said hello the first time," Ryan put his hand on my arm.

I nodded with a dopey smile. His hand felt electric on my skin. It sent a little jolt through me.

"I haven't seen you at these parties before. Allen's my uncle," he beamed and leaned into me.

He had a light cologne that smelled clean and masculine. He put a hand on the wall behind me to balance himself.

"Oh! You two do look alike," I said.

"No, his brother married my aunt. We all look the same though, right? He's not even Korean," Ryan gave a look of offense.